orchestra

noun or·ches·tra \ ˈȯr-kə-strə , -ˌke- \

Definition of orchestra

1 a :the circular space used by the chorus in front of the proscenium in an ancient Greek theater

b :a corresponding semicircular space in a Roman theater used for seating important persons

2 a :the space in front of the stage in a modern theater that is used by an orchestra

b :the forward section of seats on the main floor of a theater

c :the main floor of a theater

3 :a group of musicians including especially string players organized to perform ensemble music — compare band

See orchestra defined for English-language learners

See orchestra defined for kids

Examples of orchestra in a Sentence

He plays violin in the school orchestra.
the orchestra will be performing a selection of Beethoven pieces tomorrow night

Recent Examples of orchestra from the Web

In her response, Dunitz expressed her outrage at the body-shaming tone of the orchestra's email.

— de elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "Sheraton Cadwell Orchestra Shuts Down Amid Body-Shaming Accusations," 25 Aug. 2017
Bands went on tour with orchestras in tow; Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s Greg Lake stood onstage on his own private patch of Persian rug.

— james parker, The Atlantic, "The Whitest Music Ever," 4 Aug. 2017
From touring the world with his orchestra to shredding his Coachella set to providing Christopher Nolan with another winning score for Dunkirk, the composer is perhaps the film world’s biggest rockstar.

— vanityfair.com, "Film Score Rockstar Hans Zimmer Reportedly Taking Over Composing Duties for Blade Runner 2049," 30 July 2017
The opera will be supported not only by a live orchestra, but with effects from old Mac computers as well.

— chris morris, Fortune, "Steve Jobs Opera Premieres This Weekend," 20 July 2017
At that time, management had insisted that with 71 salaried musicians, the orchestra couldn't survive.

— grace schneider, The Courier-Journal, "Musicians question slow rise in Orchestra salary even in backing 3-year contract agreement," 18 July 2017
Musicians took a more cautious tone, pointing out that the future salary scale still trails what peers are paid in orchestras of similar size.

— grace schneider, The Courier-Journal, "Musicians question slow rise in Orchestra salary even in backing 3-year contract agreement," 18 July 2017
The music, particularly its lush, lyrical and finally tragic elements, is expertly arranged for a chamber orchestra which is (awkwardly and unnecessarily) partially visible onstage.

— misha berson, The Seattle Times, "Broadway’s ‘Fun Home’ arrives at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre," 17 July 2017
Full orchestra rehearsals are open to the public and free each day through Thursday this week from 8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Casa del Prado in Balboa Park.

— gary warth, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Free concerts planned with young international musicians," 17 July 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of orchestra

Latin, from Greek orchēstra, from orcheisthai to dance; perhaps akin to Sanskrit ṛghāyati he trembles, he rages

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1606

See Words from the same year

orchestra Synonyms

Synonyms

²band, philharmonic, symphony, symphony orchestra

Related Words

brass band, chamber orchestra, sinfonietta; brasses, strings, woodwinds; combo, ensemble, group; company, troupe; duo, octet, quartet (also quartette), quintet, septet, sextet, trio

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, refrain, riff, segue

ORCHESTRA Defined for English Language Learners

orchestra

noun

Definition of orchestra for English Language Learners

: a group of musicians who play usually classical music together and who are led by a conductor
the orchestra : a group of seats in a theater that are close to the stage

ORCHESTRA Defined for Kids

orchestra

noun or·ches·tra \ ˈȯr-kə-strə \

Definition of orchestra for Students

1 :a group of musicians who perform instrumental music using mostly stringed instruments

2 :the front part of the main floor in a theater

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orchestral

\ȯr-ˈke-strəl\ adjective

History for orchestra

In ancient Greek plays the chorus danced and sang in a space in front of the stage. The Greek name for this space was orchēstra, which came from the verb orcheisthai, “to dance.” The English word orchestra came from the Greek word for the space in front of a stage. At first the English word was used to refer to such a space but is now used to mean “the front part of the main floor.” In today's theaters a group of musicians often sits in the space in front of the stage. Such a group, too, came to be called an orchestra.