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

And yes, Bill Cowher succeeded four-time Super Bowl winner Chuck Noll and orchestrated his own Hall of Fame-worthy reign. —Mike Jones, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026

The gold shipment In the final episodes, Choudhary orchestrates the transport of two tons of gold in 40 coffins, expecting the shipment to pass undetected through customs. —Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 14 Jan. 2026

Saks Global executive chairman Richard Baker, who briefly served as its CEO, orchestrated the deal, which flopped due to the company’s debt load and slumping luxury sales. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026

In reality, the romantic get-together was actually a ruse orchestrated by conservative activist James O’Keefe, according to News Nation. —Jessica Schladebeck, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026

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