orchestrate

1 of 2

verb

or·​ches·​trate ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrāt 

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

ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrā-tər 

noun

or less commonly orchestrater

orchestrator

2 of 2

noun

or·​ches·​tra·​tor

variants or less commonly orchestrater

ˈ⸗⸗ˌstrātə(r) 

-ātə-

plural -s

: a person that arranges music for orchestral use or provides with orchestration

Examples of orchestrate in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

The goal is to orchestrate AI and people in ways that produce better outcomes than either could achieve alone. — Tony Bates, Fortune, 16 July 2026

In June 2025, Kelly's legal team filed an emergency motion for him to be released from federal prison and transferred to home confinement, alleging three Bureau of Prisons officials orchestrated a plot for an inmate to kill the singer. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 15 July 2026

As Jefferson’s opponents criticized him for sanctioning intervention and neglecting to free the prisoners, his supporters lashed out at the opposing Federalist Party for allegedly orchestrating a rebellion in Spain’s colonies in the first place. — Lindsay Schakenbach Regele, The Conversation, 13 July 2026

Leaders must be adaptable, humble, and continuously develop skills to orchestrate diverse teams across distances, making every manager a critical component. — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for orchestrate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

orchestrate

verb

or·​ches·​trate ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrāt 

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