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 Dudamel and his orchestra added incredible amounts of drama to the group’s material. — Jeff Miller, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2026 His symphonic tour has created work for more than 250 classical musicians while opening the stage to music students and professional orchestras. — Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Both combined a live orchestra performance with compelling three-dimensional visual storytelling. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026 Camilla’s family described the teenager as an academic and sporty student, who was also involved in the school orchestra and coached a youth soccer team. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for orchestra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orchestra
  1. symphony
  2. philharmonic
Noun
  • Playwright Holloway has all sorts of tricks up his many sleeves, turning misdirection (visual, narrative, aural or otherwise) into a symphony of look-here!
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Then came a symphony of chimes, crystal bowls, wave drums and rain sticks.
    — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of symphony
Noun
  • 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
  • But the orchestra couldn’t afford to continue playing there, and the philharmonic moved to cheaper accommodations at nearby First Baptist Church and ultimately the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
    — Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 17 Feb. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on orchestra

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about orchestra

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