orchestrate

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

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

The gang had orchestrated a $40 million fraud scheme that was based on accessing the ATM machines. — Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026

More recently, the Kremlin has expressed hope that those who orchestrated the explosions will be held accountable. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026

Amid the hustle and bustle of Frieze London, where champagne bottles pop and deals are orchestrated, Brazilian abstract artist Marina Perez Simão wants to invite guests to contemplate inside a spaceship in Pace Gallery’s booth. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

The man found guilty of helping orchestrate the murder of hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur over 30 years ago was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison on Tuesday, ABC News reported. — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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