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

When playwright Marco Ramirez was growing up in Hialeah, music from Cuba’s great orchestras could be heard through his grandfather’s small Sony boombox on cassette tapes at family gatherings, from Nochebuena celebrations to weddings. — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026

The opening-night celebration began with an al fresco cocktail reception in the museum’s sprawling plaza, with a live 27-piece orchestra. — Paul Chi, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2026

Already in its early years his orchestra was giving more than one hundred concerts per season. — Joseph Horowitz, The New York Review of Books, 19 Sep. 2026

There’s a passage in the final movement when the full orchestra, reinforced by trumpets, trombones, tuba, and a thunder roll of timpani, clamber up to a teeth-rattling fortissimo. — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Sep. 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.