repertoire

noun

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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

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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 This super-feminine lingerie brand designs lightweight, supportive pieces (think soft underwires, longline bralettes, and more) that are perfect for your everyday repertoire. — Talia Abbas, Glamour, "The Best Bras To Fill Your Top Drawer in 2021," 25 Mar. 2021 After realizing her repertoire consisted almost exclusively of music composed by men, Leipzig pianist Kyra Steckeweh began searching for pieces written by women. — John Benson, cleveland, "‘Her Name is Chef’ and ‘Shoplifters of the World’ top this week’s streaming movies at Cleveland Cinemas and Cinematheque," 24 Mar. 2021 If Zach Senyshyn were on a Trent Frederic-like trajectory, adding to his NHL-level repertoire rather than recovering from an injury, the Bruins might feel better about their forward depth. — BostonGlobe.com, "Could the Bruins pursue the Predators’ Mattias Ekholm at the trade deadline? Maybe, but it’s not that simple," 23 Mar. 2021 Dobnak experimented with a new wrist action and release for his slider, a variation that's been in his pitch repertoire for all of nine days now. — Phil Miller, Star Tribune, "Twins top Tampa Bay as Dobnak pitches three scoreless innings," 13 Mar. 2021 His offensive repertoire has opened up this season. — Josh Newman, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Utah’s Timmy Allen is is having another All-Pac-12 season. An offseason at ‘The Garage’ helped him get there.," 10 Mar. 2021 His verbal repertoire included a 10-minute speech of nothing but non sequiturs. — Frederick N. Rasmussen, baltimoresun.com, "J. Michael McWilliams, a mediation lawyer who assisted in the 1978 gubernatorial campaign of Harry R. Hughes, dies," 9 Mar. 2021 Scoring leader Hauser, a former Marquette player, has expanded his repertoire since Mack last faced him at Xavier. — Shannon Russell, The Courier-Journal, "Senior salute, high-stakes ACC clash on tap for Louisville men's basketball vs. Virginia," 6 Mar. 2021 His repertoire previously consisted of a four-seam fastball, cutter, curve and changeup, predominantly relying on the first three pitches. — Meghan Montemurro, chicagotribune.com, "Shelby Miller, once one of the best young pitchers in baseball, has a shot at helping the Chicago Cubs this year in a versatile role," 3 Mar. 2021

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.