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 of symphony

• 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

The symphony is accused in Carroll’s lawsuit of violating the Missouri Human Rights Act, including one count of discrimination and one count of retaliation. —Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 23 Dec. 2025

Happily, its dynamic leader, Rafael Payare, has extended his tenure with the symphony through the 2028-29 season – with the new title of Music and Artistic Director. —Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025

The category is a symphony of chaos (in all the best ways). —Clayton Davis, Variety, 16 Dec. 2025

There’s no wrong answer on the menu, but the star is the hazz, a symphony of charred steak, melted cheese and green chiles available as a burrito, taco or plate. —Mary Lebus, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Dec. 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