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

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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

Founded by a former ballerina and surfer, Marysia Dobrzanska Reeves, the brand is most known for its scalloped swimsuits but has expanded its repertoire to include gingham print and fringe. — Marina Liao, Marie Claire, "The Best New Swimwear of Summer 2019," 21 Mar. 2019 Before introducing the magic of Marie Kondo to your spring wardrobe, consider making just one addition to your repertoire: a versatile spring dress. — Glamour, "26 Spring Dresses Under $100 to Buy Now," 14 Mar. 2019 Griffin has expanded his offensive repertoire to include the 3-point shot in recent years. — Noah Trister, The Seattle Times, "Griffin enjoying resurgence a year after trade to Pistons," 19 Feb. 2019 Others are willing to expand their repertoire to install tile, replace countertops, or even build a deck. — Brett Martin, House Beautiful, "Should You DIY Or Call A Pro?," 26 Dec. 2018 The two-seamer, added last season, is now a regular part of Castillo’s repertoire. — John Fay, Cincinnati.com, "Spring Training: Cincinnati Reds fall to Colorado Rockies on walk-off hit," 8 Mar. 2018 And with Reynolds’s healthy outlook on life, and Code Absolu now a part of his everyday repertoire, his Valentine’s Day festivities with Lively tonight are sure to be the couple’s most romantic yet. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "Ryan Reynolds on His Skin-Care Routine, and Why It’s Sexy to Embrace Aging," 14 Feb. 2019 That hasn't changed with her and Jay Z's On the Run II tour, where the husband-and-wife couple blend their repertoire—and celebrate their relationship. — Krystin Arneson, Glamour, "Beyoncé's Backup Dancers Saved Her From a Concertgoer Who Rushed the Stage," 27 Aug. 2018 Without Tom Izzo on the sideline, though, Bridges should have a bit more freedom to expand on his offensive repertoire and more fully develop a burgeoning isolation game. — Matthew Giles, chicagotribune.com, "Ranking the top 50 prospects in the 2018 NBA draft," 19 June 2018

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.