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

A week after the Chiefs went three and out on each of their last two drives in what became a 22-19 loss in Denver, the Chiefs orchestrated the opposite. —Kansas City Star, 24 Nov. 2025

Junior setter Sophee Peterson, a Texas A&M pledge, orchestrated the offense with 35 assists. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Nov. 2025

The billionaire investor plans to orchestrate a double public offering as soon as early next year, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday night, citing people familiar with the matter. —Nino Paoli, Fortune, 22 Nov. 2025

On the Titans’ ensuing drive, the team orchestrated what eventually proved to be a game-winning drive. —Clark Fahrenthold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 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