Definition of symphony
symphonies
1 : consonance of sounds
2a : ritornello 1b : sinfonia 1c (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)
4a : symphony orchestrab : a symphony orchestra concert
5 : something that in its harmonious complexity or variety suggests a symphonic composition a symphony of flavors
From the M-W Editors
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 of symphony from the Web
-
Today, women who write opera, as well as symphonies and much more, are gradually being recognized for their work.
-
Two dozen young musicians from 12 countries are in San Diego as part of an international symphony exchange program that will feature a free concert in Balboa Park July 25 and open rehearsals for the next three weeks.
-
One hundred and fifty of the finest high school singers in North America will perform with members of the local professional symphony orchestra.
-
The Symphony on the Prairie features Tchaikovsky's 1812 overture and a salute to the armed forces.
-
Reid’s SouthPark (4331 Barclay Downs Dr.) will serve hot dogs and burgers for pick-up in addition to its grab-and-go items, which customers can enjoy on the grass during the Symphony’s Celebrate America! performance.
-
Looking to the future, Weinberg hopes to one day have a symphony of both robots and humans playing together.
-
Wilson said that The B-52's are really into celebrating their 40th birthday and have a slew of shows planned over the next two years, including gigs with symphony orchestras in a lot of cities.
-
Please do deal with this soon or your kids will play you like a full symphony. — Anonymous Dear Anonymous: Good point, thanks.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'symphony.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of symphony
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
SYMPHONY Defined for English Language Learners
symphony
playDefinition of symphony for English Language Learners
-
: a long piece of music that is usually in four large, separate sections and that is performed by an orchestra
SYMPHONY Defined for Kids
symphony
playDefinition of symphony for Students
symphonies
1 : a usually long musical composition for a full orchestra
2 : a large orchestra of wind, string, and percussion instruments
3 : harmonious arrangement (as of sound or color)
Learn More about symphony
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for symphony Spanish Central: Translation of symphony Nglish: Translation of symphony for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about symphony
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up symphony? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!