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

• balance
• coherence
• concinnity
• consonance
• consonancy
• harmony
• orchestration
• proportion
• symmetry
• unity

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

As commuters unload from carpools passing through the parking lot of a Tri-Rail station on a recent weekday morning, they’re greeted by a symphony of construction while waiting for their trains. —Cd Goette-Luciak, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025

Some of these are symphony bookings, some are venue rentals by the world’s two largest concert promoters, Live Nation and AEG/Goldenvoice. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025

The song has 57 musicians, a mix between mariachi and a symphony. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 20 June 2025

The wines are crisp whites and delicate rosés with a zingy, bright backbone that tastes like drinking a Sibelius symphony. —Seth Eli Barlow, Arkansas Online, 17 June 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