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

Stomp the gas and the flat-six crescendos while letting off releases a raspy symphony accompanied by percussive bangs and pops. —Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Shelley will be just the third music director in the history of the symphony, beginning an initial five-year term in the 2026-27 season. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025

Conceived and produced by Thomas, the endeavor yielded a complete cycle of the composer’s symphonies, one that won awards and received universal acclaim from critics and fans alike. —Georgia Rowe, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025

While initially renowned for his work for opera and his symphonies, Glass has made an equally impressive contribution to film music. —Paul Grein, Billboard, 5 Apr. 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