repertoire

noun

rep·er·toire | \ ˈre-pər-ˌtwär

, ˈre-pə-\

Definition of repertoire

1a : a list or supply of dramas, operas, pieces, or parts that a company or person is prepared to perform

b : a supply of skills, devices, or expedients part of the repertoire of a quarterback broadly : amount, supply an endless repertoire of summer clothes

c : a list or supply of capabilities the instruction repertoire of a computer

2a : the complete list or supply of dramas, operas, or musical works available for performance our modern orchestral repertoire

b : the complete list or supply of skills, devices, or ingredients used in a particular field, occupation, or practice the repertoire of literary criticism

Synonyms Add This Word History to Your Repertoire More Example Sentences Learn More about repertoire

Keep scrolling for more

Add This Word History to Your Repertoire

The Late Latin noun repertorium, meaning "list," has given us two words that can be used to speak of the broad range of things that someone or something can do. One is repertory, perhaps most commonly known as a word for a company that presents several different plays, operas, or other works at one theater, or the theater where such works are performed. Repertoire, which comes from repertorium via French, once meant the same thing as repertory but later came to refer to the range of skills that a person has under his or her belt, such as the different pitches a baseball pitcher can throw or the particular dishes that are a chef's specialty.

Examples of repertoire in a Sentence

In later years, he sang in English and expanded his repertoire to include rhythm and blues, rock and even skiffle music. — John Swenson, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 1993 Jackson is best known for a career that included radio and television concerts and a repertoire that leaned heavily upon songs such as "Amazing Grace" and "The Day is Past and Gone." — Leslie Williams, (New Orleans) Times-Picayune, 12 May 1993 Like resident stock companies, they presented a number of plays in repertoire; the genre of the programs tended to vary, although there seemed to be a preference for popular melodramas … — George Mann, Theatre Lethbridge, 1993 Grenadine … is bright red in color and has a sweet, fresh flavor. It is completely non-alcoholic, but plays an essential part in any good barman's repertoire. — The Encyclopedia of Herbs, Spices, & Flavorings, 1992 The fiery orators taking their turn at the microphone wore work shirts and overalls. The college choir sang a repertoire of early Joan Baez. — John Krich, Music in Every Room, 1984 The band's repertoire includes both classic and modern jazz. He has a limited repertoire when it comes to cooking.

Recent Examples on the Web

That was when teams started to figure out his deceptive delivery and pitch repertoire, which includes one of the slowest average fastballs in the majors (88.1 mph). — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Padres notes: Margevicius returns for coverage; Martini claimed for on-base ability," 28 Aug. 2019 Parachute's bedding practically has a cult following already, but the brand's latest edition to their sleep repertoire, brushed cotton, is truly obsession-worthy. — Brittney Morgan, House Beautiful, "I Tried Parachute's New Brushed Cotton Sheets and I've Never Slept Better," 12 Aug. 2019 Brahms’ Piano Concertos loom large in the repertoire, the First a statement of the impetuousness of youth, the Second a profoundly mature exploration of universal truths. — Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, "The Jazz Showcase celebrates Charlie Parker again ... for the 65th time," 30 July 2019 Christmas songs are a significant part of SNC's repertoire, and Isho said holiday tunes will be featured in the August show. — David Lindquist, Indianapolis Star, "Straight No Chaser will record TV special at Old National Centre," 11 July 2019 Simply encouraging Paul to expand his emotional repertoire, articulate his feelings, form strong friendships, empathize with others — all things girls have long been socialized to do — were frowned on. — Kate Stone Lombardi, Good Housekeeping, "Studies Show Boys Who Are Close to Their Mothers Do Better, Physically and Psychologically," 30 Apr. 2019 The data-savvy Astros identified helpful tweaks Morton could make to his repertoire, chief among them using his four-seam fastball more and higher in the strike zone. — Jon Tayler, SI.com, "Charlie Morton's Journey From Roy Halladay Copycat to 35-Year-Old Cy Young Contender," 8 Aug. 2019 The Dubai Police hope to add hoverbikes to their repertoire. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "At What Point Is a Flying Car Just a Big Drone You Can Sit In?," 6 Aug. 2019 And the choice of repertoire is always interesting, often introducing audiences to new composers. — Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, "Review: Summer Singers may have the hope and harmony you need," 21 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'repertoire.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.