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

Payton orchestrated a brilliant two-minute drive at the end of the first half, and dispatched Washington's defense in cold blood in overtime. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025

All three were charged with murdering the young woman, while their father was accused of orchestrating the killing before likely fleeing to Syria, prosecutors said. —Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 Dec. 2025

But their quick-witted mother, June (Mirren), orchestrates her decline on her own terms—with biting humor, blunt honesty, and a lot of love. —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 30 Nov. 2025

Netanyahu rejects the allegations, and has condemned the case as a witch hunt orchestrated by the media, police and judiciary. —CBS News, 30 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for orchestrate

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

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