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

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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 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 Once word gets out, nabbing center-orchestra seats (already going for over $300 apiece at press time) might feel like a minor miracle. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026 Led by conductor Simon Holland, the combined orchestra and choir perform a set of 19 pieces, including some of the most famous musical selections of all time. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026 The pianist began his career with free-jazz pioneer Carla Bley but later took over his father’s Afro-Cuban jazz orchestra. — Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for orchestra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orchestra
  1. symphony
  2. philharmonic
Noun
  • 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
  • The theater, the ballet, the opera, and the symphony, where turning off your phone is gleefully enforced, are sanctuaries.
    — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 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

Browse Nearby Words

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 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on orchestra

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about orchestra

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