ensemble

noun en·sem·ble \ än-ˈsäm-bəl , äⁿ- \

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

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

In honor of Equal Pay Day last year, Vogue produced a list of red ensembles — all of which were straight off the runway, but, nonetheless, still in the spirit of the movement.

— jennifer calfas, Time, "People Are Wearing Red for Equal Pay Day. Here's Why," 10 Apr. 2018
Several judges felt that the students represented themselves equally with many of the finest collegiate-level ensembles across the nation.

— tracy trobridge, Howard County Times, "A winning dance team at Glenelg [Glenelg/Glenwood/Dayton]," 5 Apr. 2018
Olivia Culpo is often snapped on the streets of Los Angeles and New York in a myriad of ensembles fit for the runway.

— Vogue, "Olivia Culpo and Revolve Celebrate Spring in Los Angeles," 2 Apr. 2018
His ensemble is packed with ace players—some of them, such as pianist Manuel Valera and saxophonist Peter Apfelbaum, veterans of his small groups, most of them bandleaders themselves.

— larry blumenfeld, WSJ, "‘Back to the Sunset’ Review: A Cuban Drummer Realizes His Grandest Dream," 2 Apr. 2018
From sparkling sheer dresses to a feathered Met Gala look to that famous 1986 Oscars headdress, Mackie and Cher have collaborated on a number of legendary ensembles over the decades.

— lauren alexis fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "Bob Mackie To Design Costumes For Cher's Broadway Musical," 14 Mar. 2018
Female film industry elite famously wore black to the Emmy Awards in early January, flooding the red carpet with dark ensembles in a sign of protest against Hollywood’s institutionalized sexism.

— claire zillman, Fortune, "Why You Should Wear Purple on International Women's Day," 7 Mar. 2018
The fun, flirty piece, which can be custom-made based on your measurements, adds French flair to any ensemble.

— bree coven foster, The Seattle Times, "Say ‘oui’ to Seattle-made leather beret," 22 Feb. 2018
And corsets can lend a little (or a lot) of drama to any ensemble.

— cora harrington, Allure, "A Beginner's Guide to Corsets," 8 Feb. 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.