orchestral

adjective

or·​ches·​tral ȯr-ˈke-strəl How to pronounce orchestral (audio)
Synonyms of orchestralnext
1
: of, relating to, or composed for an orchestra
2
: suggestive of an orchestra or its musical qualities
orchestrally adverb

Examples of orchestral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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On the final night, newer Rough Trade signee caroline will perform with My New Band Believe, which is led by ex-black midi member Cameron Picton, while Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker will introduce a screening of Kes featuring a live orchestral soundtrack. Spin Staff, SPIN, 14 Apr. 2026 An old soul with with a huge, commanding voice, his catalog hovers between the orchestral swoon of pre-rock ballads, the pristine melodies of Anita Baker and the rangy, resilient yearning of his hometown’s soul tradition. Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026 The harpsichord was also a victim of the orchestral era. Tim Parks, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2026 The album features both grand orchestral arrangements and electro-pop, all sung in 13 different languages, with each song inspired by a different Catholic saint or female religious figure. Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for orchestral

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1779, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of orchestral was circa 1779

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Cite this Entry

“Orchestral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchestral. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

orchestral

adjective
or·​ches·​tral ȯr-ˈkes-trəl How to pronounce orchestral (audio)
: of, relating to, or written for an orchestra

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