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.
The argument goes that, from his seat on the Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee, Gibb orchestrated the content reviews that helped inform Prescott’s memo. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2025 The Harlem rapper received a 75-year sentence in 2009 for helping orchestrate an armed robbery that went awry, resulting in a man’s death. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 10 Nov. 2025 When political prisoners were released in 1979, da Silva Lima wrote, members of what was then called the Falange Vermelha or Red Phalanx, began orchestrating mass prison breaks and investing in the burgeoning cocaine trade. Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025 During the trial, prosecutors used text messages, including more than 100 sent in the hours just before the murder, to show how Jennifer and the group orchestrated the killing, The Toronto Star reported. Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 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 16 Nov. 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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