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

Stalin saw the symphony as his deification. —Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026

Three of the soloists are longtime symphony members — concertmaster Jeff Thayer, principal English horn player Andrea Overturf and harpist Julie Phillips, who this year celebrates her 20th anniversary with the symphony. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026

Philip Glass has withdrawn the premiere of his symphony from the center, and Stephen Schwartz, Issa Rae, Renee Fleming, Hamilton and many more artists have canceled their engagements there. —Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 29 Jan. 2026

Cygnet Infinity: a version of Cygnet 22 where the alcohol has been distilled out and a symphony of restorative, mood-bolstering adaptogens (notably focus-enhancing lion’s mane) has been added. —Nick Scott, Robb Report, 19 Jan. 2026

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