as in symphony
a usually large group of musicians playing together
the orchestra will be performing a selection of Beethoven pieces tomorrow night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of orchestra
This is really the only performance of its kind where the symphony partners with Lake Travis High School as talented musicians with the band, orchestra — and new this year, the choir — perform side-by-side with Austin Symphony musicians.
—
Tom Kilgore, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026
With singers upfront and full orchestra onstage, the performance can have a sonic immediacy dramatically different from opera house perspectives.
—Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
This can be thought of as the background hum of the universe from a host of more distant collision events underlying that loud crashing orchestra of relatively close massive black hole mergers.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026
There is also a pit orchestra consisting of 15 musicians.
—Tracy Trobridge, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for orchestra
Tom Kilgore, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026
With singers upfront and full orchestra onstage, the performance can have a sonic immediacy dramatically different from opera house perspectives.
—Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
This can be thought of as the background hum of the universe from a host of more distant collision events underlying that loud crashing orchestra of relatively close massive black hole mergers.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026
There is also a pit orchestra consisting of 15 musicians.
—Tracy Trobridge, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for orchestra
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orchestra
Noun
-
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
-
Simultaneously, the symphony’s financial future is secure after Herring fundraised $150 million for the institution’s endowment.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But the orchestra couldn’t afford to continue playing there, and the philharmonic moved to cheaper accommodations at nearby First Baptist Church and ultimately the Scottish Rite Cathedral.—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Gabe is an active member of the symphonic band, Green Hill philharmonic winds, the Green Hill brass quintet and the Spirit of Green Hill Marching Band, leading by example through hard work and dedication.—
Andy Humbles,
Nashville Tennessean,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Orchestra.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orchestra. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
