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.
As on the age-old original, the first half of the six-minute track was sweeping in its use of orchestral augmentation, and then the second half put aside both strings and vocals to turn into a pure band jam. — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026 This kind of orchestral pain—built up over years, mirrored back and forth between the characters, approached slant and head on at once—is where the Buffyverse is at its best. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026 The players either dramatically make or subtly avoid eye contact with one another as the song builds to an epic crescendo, complete with eerie chanting, orchestral bombast, and booming timpani drums. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Aug. 2026 Their palette combines large-scale orchestral writing with jazz influences, electronic elements and custom sound design. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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

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