symphony

noun

sym·​pho·​ny ˈsim(p)-fə-nē How to pronounce symphony (audio)
plural symphonies
Synonyms of symphonynext
1
: consonance of sounds
2
a
: ritornello sense 1
b
: sinfonia sense 1
c(1)
: a usually long and complex sonata for symphony orchestra
(2)
: a musical composition (as for organ) resembling such a symphony in complexity or variety
3
: consonance or harmony of color (as in a painting)
4
a
: symphony orchestra
b
: a symphony orchestra concert
5
: something that in its harmonious complexity or variety suggests a symphonic composition
a symphony of flavors

Synonyms of symphony

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Examples of symphony in a Sentence

the satisfying symphony of color in Renoir's canvases a performance of a Bach concerto by the San Antonio Symphony
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.
That's like going from reading sheet music to hearing the symphony. — Kj Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Slaloming through the gears is a symphony for the senses, especially when the windows are down and the titanium exhaust notes are echoing off the canyon walls. — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 17 June 2026 Lasher had just come from his children’s piano recital, where his son had played a Chopin solo; Lasher’s list of endorsements is more like a symphony. — Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 But the $85 million outdoor venue, which is owned and operated by the symphony, has already hosted nearly 20 performances so far this year. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for symphony

Word History

Etymology

Middle English symphonie, from Middle French, from Latin symphonia, from Greek symphōnia, from symphōnos concordant in sound, from syn- + phōnē voice, sound — more at ban entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of symphony was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing symphony

Browse Nearby Words

symphonize
symphony
symphony band
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

symphony

noun
sym·​pho·​ny ˈsim(p)-fə-nē How to pronounce symphony (audio)
plural symphonies
1
: harmonious arrangement (as of sound or color)
a symphony of sounds in the forest
2
: a usually long musical composition for a full orchestra
3
: symphony orchestra
Etymology

Middle English symphonie "pleasing arrangement of sounds," from early French symphonie (same meaning), derived from Greek syn- "together" and phōnē "voice, sound" — related to euphony, phonetic

More from Merriam-Webster on symphony

Nglish: Translation of symphony for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about symphony

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