orchestrate

verb

or·​ches·​trate ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrāt 

orchestrated; orchestrating

transitive verb

1

a

: to compose or arrange (music) for an orchestra

The composer orchestrated the music for the symphony orchestra.

b

: to provide with orchestration

orchestrate a ballet

2

: to arrange or combine so as to achieve a desired or maximum effect

orchestrated preparations for the banquet

a carefully orchestrated stunt

orchestrator

ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrā-tər 

noun

or less commonly orchestrater

Examples of orchestrate in a Sentence

He recently orchestrated a musical.

She orchestrated the entire event.

It's still unclear who was responsible for orchestrating the attack.

A strike was orchestrated by union members.

Recent Examples on the Web

Love orchestrated an eight-play drive, where veteran running back Josh Jacobs played a vital role in getting the ball downfield, including a 21-yard run on third-and-2 from Chicago’s 28-yard line. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025

Prosecutors allege that Laster, a childhood friend of Rozier's, orchestrated the sharing of non-public information and bets between various gambling rings. —Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025

The conversation turned more pointed when Smith addressed Marcellus Wiley, who recently accused him of orchestrating Kellerman’s removal out of insecurity. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 8 Dec. 2025

Concierge staff orchestrate everything from dining reservations to tuning up gear, allowing guests to maximize every minute on the hill. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for orchestrate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

orchestrate

verb

or·​ches·​trate ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrāt 

orchestrated; orchestrating

1

: to write or arrange music for an orchestra

2

: to arrange or combine so as to get the best effect

orchestration

ˌȯr-kə-ˈstrā-shən

noun