orchestrate

verb

or·​ches·​trate ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrāt How to pronounce orchestrate (audio)
orchestrated; orchestrating

transitive verb

1
a
: to compose or arrange (music) for an orchestra
The composer orchestrated the music for the symphony orchestra.
b
: to provide with orchestration
orchestrate a ballet
2
: to arrange or combine so as to achieve a desired or maximum effect
orchestrated preparations for the banquet
a carefully orchestrated stunt
orchestrator noun
or less commonly orchestrater

Examples of orchestrate in a Sentence

He recently orchestrated a musical. She orchestrated the entire event. It's still unclear who was responsible for orchestrating the attack. A strike was orchestrated by union members.
Recent Examples on the Web Microsoft also took a seat on OpenAI's board after a chaotic period in which OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was abruptly fired, then reinstated, with the board members who orchestrated his ouster later pushed out. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 10 July 2024 The Oberoi charmed voters with its opulent design, orchestrated by Bill Bensley to mimic the palatial architecture seen around Lake Pichola, as well as its top-notch dining and can-do staff. Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2024 And then there’s the family’s reality TV empire that Jenner has orchestrated. Amy Kaufman, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2024 This year the 50 full-time Pyro Show employees are spread across the country setting up firework shows in stadiums, parks, beach fronts and barges, but most people orchestrating the shows are part-time workers. Luke Fountain, Charlotte Observer, 4 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for orchestrate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'orchestrate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of orchestrate was in 1858

Dictionary Entries Near orchestrate

Cite this Entry

“Orchestrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchestrate. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

orchestrate

verb
or·​ches·​trate ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrāt How to pronounce orchestrate (audio)
orchestrated; orchestrating
1
: to write or arrange music for an orchestra
2
: to arrange or combine so as to get the best effect
orchestration
ˌȯr-kə-ˈstrā-shən
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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