orchestra

noun

or·​ches·​tra ˈȯr-kə-strə How to pronounce orchestra (audio)
-ˌke-
Synonyms of orchestranext
1
a
: the circular space used by the chorus in front of the proscenium in an ancient Greek theater
b
: a corresponding semicircular space in a Roman theater used for seating important persons
2
a
: the space in front of the stage in a modern theater that is used by an orchestra
b
: the forward section of seats on the main floor of a theater
c
: the main floor of a theater
3
: a group of musicians including especially string players organized to perform ensemble music compare band

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of orchestra in a Sentence

He plays violin in the school orchestra. the orchestra will be performing a selection of Beethoven pieces tomorrow night
Recent Examples on the Web About 3,500 students prepare for massive performance About 3,500 students from 75 schools are preparing to perform at the Biennial Music Festival over the course of the two nights, Garcia said, including bands, orchestras, choirs, modern bands, drumlines, harps, world drums and trumpet fanfare. —Rory Linnane, Journal Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2024 Potential nominees include students with achievements in band, orchestra, theater, choir, art, culinary arts, writing contests, sewing skills or other similar vocational-school mediums where students can shine through the arts. —Melanie Laughman, The Enquirer, 29 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for orchestra 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'orchestra.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek orchēstra, from orcheisthai to dance; perhaps akin to Sanskrit ṛghāyati he trembles, he rages

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of orchestra was in 1606

Phrases Containing orchestra

Dictionary Entries Near orchestra

orchestiid

orchestra

orchestra bells

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Orchestra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchestra. Accessed 5 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

orchestra

noun
or·​ches·​tra ˈȯr-kə-strə How to pronounce orchestra (audio)
-ˌkes-trə
1
: the front part of the main floor of a theater
2
: a group of musicians who perform instrumental music using mostly stringed instruments
Etymology

from Latin orchestra "the place in front of the stage where prominent persons sit," from Greek orchēstra "a semicircular area in front of the stage of a theater where the chorus dances," from orcheisthai "to dance"

Word Origin
In front of the ancient Greek stage was a semicircular space where a chorus danced, sang, and commented on the action of the play. The Greek word orchēstra referred to this space. It came from the verb orcheisthai, meaning "to dance." The word was borrowed into Latin, but the Roman orchestra was reserved for the seats of prominent persons, such as senators, instead of for a chorus. When English borrowed the word, it indicated the space occupied by a group of musicians, usually right in front of the stage. It also was used to refer to the group of musicians itself. Later, orchestra came to mean the forward part or all of the main floor of a theater.

More from Merriam-Webster on orchestra

Nglish: Translation of orchestra for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of orchestra for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about orchestra

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