ensemble

noun en·sem·ble \ än-ˈsäm-bəl , äⁿ- \

|Updated on: 6 Aug 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 major venues will be linked to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and large screens will enable the singers in each location to form one huge ensemble.

— anthony barcellos, sacbee, "How Big Sing California aims to bring joy to six cities and 10,000 performers," 13 July 2018
The programs are for all ages and encompass everything from football to yoga to cricket to music ensembles.

— melissa whatley, baltimoresun.com, "Tristin Forby given Rec Council's cherished Spirit award," 11 July 2018
Rounding out the ensemble are Jeff Diebold, Dylan Obrochta and Carter Sherman.

— kt hawbaker, chicagotribune.com, "Timothy Edward Kane and Scarlett Strallen lead cast for North American premiere of 'Nell Gwynn'," 10 July 2018
Greenwood connected with Tzur after hearing him perform in the desert, then encountered the ensemble while looking for studio space in Rajasthan.

— sam tornow, Billboard, "Jonny Greenwood's Junun Makes Late Night Debut on 'Colbert': Watch," 10 July 2018
Pro tips: London demands numerous ensembles yet Speer traveled with a single carry-on.

— catherine bigelow, SFChronicle.com, "Summer’s R&R hot spots from SF’s social set," 10 July 2018
The ensemble consisted of a sleeveless little black dress by Emilia Wickstead with an A-line silhouette, square neckline, and belt.

— erica gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Wears a Sleeveless Little Black Dress for Her Third Outfit of the Day," 10 July 2018
After realizing not much was known about one of the world's most elegant socialites in her own hometown, Rogers got busy contacting museums and collectors to bring 50 of Bismarck's most admired ensembles to her home state.

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "'Must-see' museum exhibit is in Louisville — and it features 'royalty'," 9 July 2018
To complete her all-white ensemble, Middleton paired the elegant dress with a dainty white hair topper by Jane Taylor that was embellished with white flowers.

— cady lang, Time, "Kate Middleton Wore an Elegant All-White Ensemble to Prince Louis' Royal Christening," 9 July 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 Berklee in Puerto Rico program provides access to the Berklee method of music education, encompassing theory, ear training, improvisation, ensemble performance and instrumental instruction.

— justino aguila, Billboard, "Berklee College of Music Provides Puerto Rican Musicians $1.5 Million in Scholarships," 21 June 2018
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," 12 June 2018
Tempos were brisk and the ensemble playing was tight.

— christian hertzog, sandiegouniontribune.com, "A rare, fiery performance of a Rebel ballet kicks off Mainly Mozart Festival," 10 June 2018
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," 12 June 2018
This was an exciting Beethoven performance, played with powerful dynamic contrasts, propulsive momentum and perfect ensemble work.

— christian hertzog, sandiegouniontribune.com, "A rare, fiery performance of a Rebel ballet kicks off Mainly Mozart Festival," 10 June 2018
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the movie will be an ensemble feature, focusing on a number of women employed by Fox News, not just Kelly.

— rebecca farley, refinery29.com, "Charlize Theron Will Reportedly Play Megyn Kelly In An Upcoming Film About Fox News," 22 May 2018
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," 12 June 2018
The female-led ensemble addition to the Ocean’s 11 franchise took in $41 million during its first weekend in theaters, beating out the opening numbers for all prior Ocean’s films.

— kara nesvig, Teen Vogue, ""Oceans 8" Just Had the Biggest Opening Weekend in the Franchise's History," 11 June 2018