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 live-to-film concert will present an orchestral performance of the score from John Powell and Stephen Schwartz, who also helmed music and lyrics. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2026

This one resembles the winsome, acoustic Sea Change (2002) and Morning Phase (2014), dressing the shape-shifting troubadour’s reflective vocals in windswept orchestral-folk adornment. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2026

For the music lovers Candlelight Concerts Journey back to the ’70s in September with orchestral performances of some oldies but goodies. — Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 1 Sep. 2026

As on the age-old original, the first half of the six-minute track was sweeping in its use of orchestral augmentation, and then the second half put aside both strings and vocals to turn into a pure band jam. — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Aug. 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