symphony

noun

sym·​pho·​ny ˈsim(p)-fə-nē 

plural symphonies

1

: consonance of sounds

2

a

: ritornello sense 1

b

: sinfonia sense 1

c(1)

: a usually long and complex sonata for symphony orchestra

(2)

: a musical composition (as for organ) resembling such a symphony in complexity or variety

3

: consonance or harmony of color (as in a painting)

4

a

: symphony orchestra

b

: a symphony orchestra concert

5

: something that in its harmonious complexity or variety suggests a symphonic composition

a symphony of flavors

Synonyms of symphony

• orchestration
• symmetry
• harmony
• proportion
• balance

Examples of symphony in a Sentence

the satisfying symphony of color in Renoir's canvases

a performance of a Bach concerto by the San Antonio Symphony

Recent Examples on the Web

But we writers of historical fiction should never forget, in our focus on the vast sweep of time and change, that the symphony itself is composed of lots of little songs. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026

More than two dozen performers subsequently canceled appearances at the center, including composer Philip Glass, who had been scheduled to premiere a new symphony. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026

The exhibition is divided into three parts, with each envisioned as a part of a polyphonic score existing within the larger symphony of Busan itself. — News Desk, Artforum, 8 July 2026

The state’s first orchestra, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, was founded in 1894, one of many classical ensembles that began about 50 years after the oldest symphony in the country, the New York Philharmonic, was founded. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English symphonie, from Middle French, from Latin symphonia, from Greek symphōnia, from symphōnos concordant in sound, from syn- + phōnē voice, sound — more at ban entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing symphony

• symphony orchestra

Kids Definition

symphony

noun

sym·​pho·​ny ˈsim(p)-fə-nē 

plural symphonies

1

: harmonious arrangement (as of sound or color)

a symphony of sounds in the forest

2

: a usually long musical composition for a full orchestra

3

: symphony orchestra

Etymology

Middle English symphonie "pleasing arrangement of sounds," from early French symphonie (same meaning), derived from Greek syn- "together" and phōnē "voice, sound" — related to euphony, phonetic