orchestration

noun

or·​ches·​tra·​tion ˌȯr-kə-ˈstrā-shən 

1

: the arrangement of a musical composition for performance by an orchestra

also : orchestral treatment of a musical composition

2

: harmonious organization

… develop a world community through orchestration of cultural diversities.

—L. K. Frank

orchestrational

ˌȯr-kə-ˈstrā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of orchestration

• symmetry
• harmony
• proportion
• correlation
• balance
• symphony

Examples of orchestration in a Sentence

the trade representatives are working towards an orchestration of the two countries' often competing economic interests

Recent Examples on the Web

For now, there are no other concrete details about the follow-up to 2025’s Phantom Island, which found Gizzard dabbling in heavy orchestration for the first time. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 24 Apr. 2026

This is easily the most musically fascinating number on the album, with the most striking use of orchestration extending to brass clearly meant to evoke the big band style of the period, even though the tune is otherwise not even remotely in that style. —Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026

Celia’s throaty voice, relentlessly powerful, created a bewitching contrast with the orchestra’s sparse orchestrations and short piano solos. —Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2026

These can exist at the image level, within registries, across orchestration systems, and at the host level. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for orchestration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation