symphony orchestra

noun

: a large orchestra of winds, strings, and percussion that plays symphonic works

Synonyms

• orchestra
• symphony
• philharmonic

Examples of symphony orchestra in a Sentence

She's a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

plays oboe in the local symphony orchestra

Recent Examples on the Web

For the festival the trio, featuring double bass, drums and piano, will be enhanced by a symphony orchestra that will perform contemporary jazz and world music compositions, orchestrated traditional Hebrew-Ladino songs, as well as classical works. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

Ben Folds Orchestral Tour 2025 hits Cincinnati next month The Ben Folds Orchestral Tour combines Folds' piano skills with pops and symphony orchestras across the country. —Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Mar. 2025

If approved, the music hall will accommodate an audience of 728 people and a stage big enough to support a symphony orchestra, according to MYAC CEO Allen Dennis. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025

In Montreal Nas will perform with a full symphony orchestra. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1881, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

symphony orchestra

noun

: a large orchestra of wind, string, and percussion instruments that plays symphonic works