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.
Pulte also fell for a scam that was orchestrated by a former business associate of Kanye West, the rapper now known as Ye, the Chicago Tribune later reported. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025 When the family’s nanny falls dangerously ill, Adam orchestrates his way into their London home, and his true nature begins to emerge. Claire Franken, TVLine, 11 Oct. 2025 This Ministry frequently interferes in employers’ decisions, instigates acts of discrimination by authorities and organizations, brings weight to bear on the organs of justice and even orchestrates propaganda campaigns in the media. Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025 Israel launched its war in Gaza after Palestinian militant group Hamas orchestrated the October 7 attacks in 2023 that killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 more taken as hostages into Gaza. MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 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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