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

The Cailloux Theater has an ever-changing schedule of performances that include orchestras, symphonies, plays, and musicals, and the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center showcases works from regional and national artists and offers art classes for all ages. —Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2025

The agreement comes on the heels of the symphony's new strategic plan that looks ahead five years to the orchestra's centennial in 2030. —Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 5 Dec. 2025

Following a video montage of Williams’s accomplishments in both Santa Clara and Oklahoma City, Williams walked onto the hardwood and was showered with a symphony of cheers. —Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025

The band finds their footing in the song’s first minutes — tittering cymbals, a piano line, a knotty electric guitar, and chanted vocals in Spanish and French build like a symphony. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 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