orchestral

adjective

or·​ches·​tral ȯr-ˈke-strəl How to pronounce orchestral (audio)
Synonyms of orchestralnext
1
: of, relating to, or composed for an orchestra
2
: suggestive of an orchestra or its musical qualities
orchestrally
ȯr-ˈke-strə-lē How to pronounce orchestral (audio)
adverb

Examples of orchestral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The production carried a sense of scale, swelling with orchestral weight and emotional lift, framing the tournament as something larger than sport. — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 Past the entry gate, a beautifully landscaped, winding road is the orchestral prelude to the grand portico of this classic hotel by the sea, where smiling bellhops whisk away your luggage. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 June 2026 Ys was co-produced by orchestral pop trailblazer Van Dyke Parks and engineered by punk icon Steve Albini, the only time those two prolific legends worked on the same album. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 29 June 2026 The Sunriver Music Festival brings in top musicians for orchestral events that range from family-friendly performances to classical concerts. — Lauren Jones, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for orchestral

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1779, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of orchestral was circa 1779

Rhymes for orchestral

See All Rhymes for orchestral

Browse Nearby Words

orchestra circle
orchestral
orchestraless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Orchestral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchestral. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

orchestral

adjective
or·​ches·​tral ȯr-ˈkes-trəl How to pronounce orchestral (audio)
: of, relating to, or written for an orchestra

More from Merriam-Webster on orchestral

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for orchestral

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