ensemble

1 of 2

noun

en·​sem·​ble än-ˈsäm-bəl 

äⁿ-

: 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

ensemble

2 of 2

adjective

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

ensemble acting

Examples of ensemble in a Sentence

Noun

We went to listen to a new jazz ensemble.

She wore an elegant three-piece ensemble.

The actor performed an ensemble piece.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Oftentimes, players’ ensembles take on an avant-garde and expressive quality, curated in collaboration with renowned designers and stylists. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026

Mike Flanagan is known for having his staple ensembles and teaming with the same actors in different projects. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026

Adjective

Mirrorpix/Getty Images Cover star Bowie wore this ensemble during a photo shoot at Haddon Hall for the cover of his 1970 album The Man Who Sold the World. — Eleni N. Gage, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026

Styles was one of Ives’s first male bespoke clients, the designer said, and this ensemble, which is covered with more than 3,000 Swarovski crystals and made with vintage silk scarves, is based on that original look. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from French, "unity, cohesion, group, set, musical ensemble, outfit," noun derivative of ensemble "together, at the same time," going back to Old French, "with one another," going back to Vulgar Latin *insemul, reshaping of Latin insimul "in company, together," from in- in- entry 2 + simul "together, at the same time" — more at simultaneous

Note: The form *semul may represent an older form of simul preserved in popular Latin; see note at similar.

Adjective

from attributive use of ensemble entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1750, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

circa 1911, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ensemble

noun

en·​sem·​ble

än-ˈsäm-bəl

: a group of people or things making up a complete unit: as

a

: musicians that perform music in several parts

also : the music itself

b

: a set of clothes that look nice together

Etymology

Noun

from French ensemble "group, ensemble," from ensemble (adverb) "together," from Latin insimul (same meaning), from in- "in, into" and simul "at the same time, together" — related to assemble, simultaneous