orchestra

noun

ˈȯr-kə-strə How to pronounce orchestra (audio)
Definition of orchestranext
as in symphony
a usually large group of musicians playing together the orchestra will be performing a selection of Beethoven pieces tomorrow night

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of orchestra He was made concertmaster in his youth orchestra and was always curious about what all the other instruments were doing. — Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 On a balmy April afternoon at Abbey Road Studios in London, a 74-piece orchestra comprised of violinists, cellists, flautists and even an organ-payer, is packed into Studio One. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 In the heart of midtown Manhattan, the German orchestra performed a program of Italian music spanning Verdi, Leoncavallo, and Respighi, among others. — Aaron Royce, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026 Somewhere in the heavens, these beloved instruments have formed a glorious orchestra — a cosmic symphony where every lost voice is restored. — Billboard Staff, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for orchestra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orchestra
  1. symphony
  2. philharmonic
Noun
  • Great part was my wife was in complete symphony on it instantly, and that actually was a wonderful bonding moment.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Young Hindoyan was particularly captivated by Jascha Heifetz’s violin sound and by the codas in every first movement of Bruckner’s symphonies.
    — Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of symphony
Noun
  • Co-written and directed by Ayana Nurdinova, the film tells the story of a music teacher from the small town of Balkhash who dreams of moving to the big city to perform in the philharmonic.
    — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
  • It will be conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, who’s coming on as the philharmonic’s music and artistic director.
    — Stacey Vanek Smith, Bloomberg, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of philharmonic

Phrases Containing orchestra

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orchards
orchestra
orchestral
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Cite this Entry

“Orchestra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orchestra. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on orchestra

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about orchestra

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