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

In three movements, the 28-minute symphony is mostly built out of simple motifs, although strands of melody surface here and there. —Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026

The symphony then appointed renowned French conductor Stéphane Denève as artistic director, who has proven to be the perfect fit, Herring said. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026

The symphony will perform pieces from Smetana, Mozart and Beethoven to highlight music from Prague to the Czech Republic. —Emery Glover, Des Moines Register, 5 Mar. 2026

Now back in Cincinnati, LaVigne performs all over the world with symphonies, at special events and as a cruise headliner. —Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Feb. 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