orchestra

noun

or·​ches·​tra ˈȯr-kə-strə 

-ˌke-

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

Synonyms of orchestra

• symphony
• philharmonic

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 on the Web

And the composer’s friend and champion Susanna Mälkki conducts a superb cast and nimble orchestra, making all the complexity crystalline. —Justin Davidson, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2026

As fans stood for the opening run, a sprawling 23-piece backing ensemble — including six band members, eight backing vocalists plus returning Church muse Joanna Cotten, and a mini-orchestra with four horns and four strings — some swayed. —Theoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026

Hans Zimmer brought an orchestra and performed his biggest music from the movies too. —Vanessa Franko, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026

Years later, in Austria’s Salzburg, a now late teen Wolfgang Mozart performs a piece which is one part period piano, another part glam rock with a swelling modern orchestra, a powerful Freddie Mercury-esque choir and Mozart slamming his piano. —John Hopewell, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing orchestra

• chamber orchestra
• symphony orchestra
• the orchestra

Kids Definition

orchestra

noun

or·​ches·​tra ˈȯr-kə-strə 

-ˌkes-trə

1

: the front part of the main floor of a theater

2

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

Etymology

from Latin orchestra "the place in front of the stage where prominent persons sit," from Greek orchēstra "a semicircular area in front of the stage of a theater where the chorus dances," from orcheisthai "to dance"

Word Origin

In front of the ancient Greek stage was a semicircular space where a chorus danced, sang, and commented on the action of the play. The Greek word orchēstra referred to this space. It came from the verb orcheisthai, meaning "to dance." The word was borrowed into Latin, but the Roman orchestra was reserved for the seats of prominent persons, such as senators, instead of for a chorus. When English borrowed the word, it indicated the space occupied by a group of musicians, usually right in front of the stage. It also was used to refer to the group of musicians itself. Later, orchestra came to mean the forward part or all of the main floor of a theater.