orchestrate

verb or·ches·trate \ ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrāt \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of orchestrate

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

or less commonly orchestrater play \ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrā-tər\ noun

See orchestrate defined for English-language learners

See orchestrate defined for kids

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 of orchestrate from the Web

In between came Korngold’s gorgeous Violin Concerto, crafted, like the Rachmaninoff work, in the 1940s and full of brilliantly orchestrated, late-Romantic lyricism.

— tim smith, baltimoresun.com, "Baltimore Symphony in colorful form with Stenz, Steinbacher," 7 Apr. 2018
The Spielberg influence runs deep: The emotional arcs have been cunningly orchestrated for both maximum tension and cathartic payoff.

— justin chang, latimes.com, "Shut up and spread the word: 'A Quiet Place' is a thrillingly intelligent monster movie," 5 Apr. 2018
In the face of Washington’s passivity, Iran orchestrated a violent, punitive response by the Iraqi government and the pro-Iranian militias against the Kurds, using the 2017 independence referendum as a pretext.

— zalmay khalilzad, WSJ, "Limit Iran’s Influence in Iraq," 2 Apr. 2018
In 1960, after being nominated to a leadership role by members of the SNCC's Nashville chapter, Dash orchestrated sit-ins at local lunch counters.

— shammara lawrence, Teen Vogue, "Women's History Month: 3 Women Who Changed America," 30 Mar. 2018
The first blasts Conditt orchestrated -- one on March 2 and two more on March 12 -- killed or wounded three African-Americans and one Hispanic woman.

— ray sanchez, CNN, "This is what one tragedy-filled month says about race and justice in America," 29 Mar. 2018
Elmore, who’s 6-foot-3, orchestrated the offense and finished with 27 points, four assists and four rebounds.

— tom krasovic, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Marshall treats San Diego to an NCAAs upset that West Virginians will long remember," 16 Mar. 2018
The Cardinals have orchestrated their fair share of upsets as an underdog, too, advancing to the Final Four in 2009 as a No.

— danielle lerner, The Courier-Journal, "'Nobody cares what seed you are': Louisville women's basketball hopes to start fast as No. 1," 15 Mar. 2018
But in all actuality, could the rogue military-state really have orchestrated such an effort?

— Newsweek, "Amazing Photos of Bioluminescent Phytoplankton," 14 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'orchestrate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of orchestrate

1858

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, refrain, riff, segue

ORCHESTRATE Defined for English Language Learners

orchestrate

verb

Definition of orchestrate for English Language Learners

: to write or change (a piece of music) so that it can be played by an orchestra
: to organize or plan (something that is complicated)

Learn More about orchestrate

See words that rhyme with orchestrate Spanish Central: Translation of orchestrate Nglish: Translation of orchestrate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of orchestrate for Arabic speakers

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orchestrate

Definition of orchestrate

orchestrator

Examples of orchestrate in a Sentence

Recent Examples of orchestrate from the Web

First Known Use of orchestrate

Other Music Terms

ORCHESTRATE Defined for English Language Learners

orchestrate

Definition of orchestrate for English Language Learners

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orchestrate

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orchestrator

Examples of orchestrate in a Sentence

Recent Examples of orchestrate from the Web

First Known Use of orchestrate

Other Music Terms

ORCHESTRATE Defined for English Language Learners

orchestrate

Definition of orchestrate for English Language Learners

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