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

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

That's like going from reading sheet music to hearing the symphony. — Kj Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

But the $85 million outdoor venue, which is owned and operated by the symphony, has already hosted nearly 20 performances so far this year. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026

Is the perfect gift a painting (too European), a symphony (way too European), a bespoke work of jingoistic smut about Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty? — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 22 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