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

• 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

The digital revolution of the early eighties prompted the record companies and their stables of conductors, orchestras, soloists, and opera singers to redo the entire repertory once more. —David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025

Well, there’s a live jazz orchestra to keep the crowds swinging and live radio plays to deliver suspense and thrills. —Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 17 July 2025

Eleanore Strong, the accompanist for the chorus, shared some thoughts about her meeting and working with Ms. McCarthy, first as a student and orchestra member at Rosary College Prep in Aurora. —Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025

But there were all the opening-night kinks to be worked out with audio, video, an orchestra just coming back from vacation and coping with minimal rehearsal time. —Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025

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.