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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As far as college pranks go, the one The Harvard Lampoon orchestrated was pricey. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025 Linden also orchestrated their Halloween special and merch line. Taylor Lorenz, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025 That’s when Ly orchestrated the flawless 80-yard two-minute drill, completing 6-of-6 passes and finishing with an 11-yard TD connection to senior Anthony Perez with 30 seconds left. Erik Anderson, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025 Sabonis is a three-time All-Star and a two-time All-NBA Third Team selection who orchestrates much of Sacramento’s offense from the center position. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for orchestrate

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of orchestrate was in 1858

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Orchestrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchestrate. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on orchestrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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