orchestral

adjective

or·​ches·​tral ȯr-ˈke-strəl 

1

: of, relating to, or composed for an orchestra

2

: suggestive of an orchestra or its musical qualities

orchestrally

ȯr-ˈke-strə-lē 

adverb

Examples of orchestral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The song, with its brilliantly ironic lyrics about a manipulative ex-partner, has become an anthem of catharsis, also driven by an exhilarating orchestral arrangement and the powerful voices of Rosi and Yahritza. — Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 10 Nov. 2026

For orchestral music, like the opening scene to The Gospel According to the Other Mary by John Adams, the speaker did a fine job but probably isn't built for this kind of music. — Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 2026

Machover’s brilliant new half-hour orchestral score asks AI for agency. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Combined with orchestral theme music and other flourishes, the boards may add to a sense of drama rather than toning it down. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1779, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for orchestral

• ancestral
• kestrel

Kids Definition

orchestral

adjective

or·​ches·​tral ȯr-ˈkes-trəl 

: of, relating to, or written for an orchestra