symphony

noun

sym·​pho·​ny ˈsim(p)-fə-nē 

plural symphonies

1

: consonance of sounds

2

a

: ritornello sense 1

b

: sinfonia sense 1

c(1)

: a usually long and complex sonata for symphony orchestra

(2)

: a musical composition (as for organ) resembling such a symphony in complexity or variety

3

: consonance or harmony of color (as in a painting)

4

a

: symphony orchestra

b

: a symphony orchestra concert

5

: something that in its harmonious complexity or variety suggests a symphonic composition

a symphony of flavors

Synonyms

• orchestration
• symmetry
• harmony
• proportion
• balance

Examples of symphony in a Sentence

the satisfying symphony of color in Renoir's canvases

a performance of a Bach concerto by the San Antonio Symphony

Recent Examples on the Web

All the pieces seem to fit, producing a symphony of contact and occasional crescendo of slug. —Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

There are dings from streetcars on Canal Street, chimes from slot machines at Caesars New Orleans Hotel & Casino, and celebratory symphonies from innumerable trumpets on countless stages and streetcorners. —Matt Alderton, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025

Until regulations and industry incentives shift, the market will continue to flatten cannabis into a one-note symphony of strength. —Jahan Marcu, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025

Is there anything more homey than listening to the symphony of a rainstorm, snuggling by a crackling fire, and holding a steaming cup of hot cocoa? —Christina Fang, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English symphonie, from Middle French, from Latin symphonia, from Greek symphōnia, from symphōnos concordant in sound, from syn- + phōnē voice, sound — more at ban entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing symphony

• symphony orchestra

Kids Definition

symphony

noun

sym·​pho·​ny ˈsim(p)-fə-nē 

plural symphonies

1

: harmonious arrangement (as of sound or color)

a symphony of sounds in the forest

2

: a usually long musical composition for a full orchestra

3

: symphony orchestra

Etymology

Middle English symphonie "pleasing arrangement of sounds," from early French symphonie (same meaning), derived from Greek syn- "together" and phōnē "voice, sound" — related to euphony, phonetic