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

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

On orchestral tracks, like the opening scene to The Gospel According to the Other Mary by John Adams, the headphones also sounded very good. — Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 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

Through lush orchestral arrangements, Estrada sang about finding joy after heartbreak and loss — and made her fans feel a little less alone during bleak times. — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 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