ensemble

noun en·sem·ble \ än-ˈsäm-bəl , äⁿ- \

|Updated on: 11 Jun 2018

Examples: ensemble in a Sentence

Definition of ensemble

: a group producing a single effect: such as

a : concerted music of two or more parts

b : a complete costume of harmonizing or complementary clothing and accessories

c (1) : the musicians engaged in the performance of a musical ensemble

(2) : a group of supporting players, singers, or dancers; especially : corps de ballet

See ensemble defined for English-language learners

See ensemble defined for kids

Examples of ensemble in a Sentence

We went to listen to a new jazz ensemble.
She wore an elegant three-piece ensemble.
The actor performed an ensemble piece.

Recent Examples of ensemble from the Web

The singer born in New Orleans was the featured vocalist in a recent edition of the Count Basie Orchestra, the swing ensemble that helped put Kansas City on the musical map.

— bill brownlee, kansascity, "KC concerts June 7-13: Dierks Bentley, David Byrne, Yes, Ledisi, John Butler Trio," 5 June 2018
For six years, this ensemble has been devoted to music for clarinet and string quartet, and performs a program of works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Glazunov and more. 8 p.m. Friday, June 8.

— joshua kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, "Joshua Kosman’s classical music picks, June 3," 31 May 2018
This unorthodox ensemble is so right for so many reasons though.

— caroline picard, Good Housekeeping, "Queen Elizabeth Is Wearing Sunglasses and Carrying an Umbrella at Her Garden Party," 31 May 2018
The performance marked the local debut of both the work and this gorgeous young ensemble.

— peter dobrin, Philly.com, "Calidore String Quartet makes gorgeous Philadelphia debut in Caroline Shaw works," 14 May 2018
This ensemble, created for a statue of the Virgin in the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Compassion in Paris, and is fit for the holiest of women in the church, Mary.

— cara kelly, USA TODAY, "10 things to see at the Met’s 'Heavenly Bodies' exhibit, and what to know before you go," 9 May 2018
Unsurprisingly, this all-white ensemble—and in particular, her giant white hat—quickly caught the Internet’s eye.

— megan mccluskey, Time, "Melania Trump's Massive White Hat Has Caused Quite the Stir," 24 Apr. 2018
This community ensemble is based in San Diego and includes professional and amateur musicians who focus on historically informed Baroque performances.

— linda mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Mira Costa director recognized," 23 Apr. 2018
Rebirth Brass BandFor 35 years, this Grammy-winning ensemble has carried forward New Orleans' prestigious brass band tradition.

— Houston Chronicle, "Concerts: March 29-April 4," 28 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ensemble.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of ensemble

French, from ensemble together, from Old French, from Latin insimul at the same time, from in- + simul at the same time — more at same

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1750

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

ensemble

adjective

Definition of ensemble

: emphasizing the roles of all performers as a whole rather than a star performance

ensemble acting

Recent Examples of ensemble from the Web

The camp is open to Griswold instrumental music students entering grades 6 to 12 in the fall and will work on improving instrumental and ensemble skills, with opportunities for fun activities as well.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Putnam-Killingly Edition," 5 June 2018
The moribund Logo network had the ensemble series Noah’s Arc, notably featuring an all-black main cast, but canceled it after two seasons, in 2006.

— richard lawson, HWD, "Why L.G.B.T.-Centered TV Is Stuck in the Past," 30 May 2018
Though covering only a year, the sweeping play brings in more than 60 distinct characters plus ensemble roles, played by 30 actors.

— theodore p. mahne, NOLA.com, "'All the Way' a brilliant political drama from Southern Rep," 29 May 2018
The gala was co-chaired by Perry, Lowy, Verett Mims, Elliot Stultz, Chris Froseth, Catherine Glick Meredith, and ensemble members Audrey Francis and James Vincent Meredit.

— candace jordan, chicagotribune.com, "Chris Rock, Kelsey Grammer add star power to Steppenwolf Theatre gala," 23 May 2018
The Jane Fonda and Diane Keaton ensemble film 'Book Club' also released its final trailer.

— annie howard, The Hollywood Reporter, "Movie Trailers This Week: 'Ant-Man and the Wasp,' 'Robin Hood,' Jennifer Aniston in 'The Yellow Birds'," 6 May 2018
Canellakis and the orchestra, though, stunned with the precision of the piece’s incisive orchestrations — unusual and potent combinations that underscored individual and ensemble talent.

— peter dobrin, Philly.com, "Karina Canellakis at Curtis Institute stuns with precision in bold selection," 30 Apr. 2018
Its 90-minute presentations, which include storytelling and explanations of the movements and their symbolism, feature both small and ensemble dances from the Northern Plains Indians, Southeastern and Southwestern tribes, the Iroquois and others.

— laurel graeber, New York Times, "Events for Children in NYC This Week," 8 Feb. 2018
The pieces shared a palette, but their contrasting scale and textures made the ensemble pop.

— edward barsamian, Vogue, "Queen Letizia of Spain Goes Graphic for Spring," 7 May 2018