Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » orchestra

orchestra

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

Orchestra is the place in front of the stage where musicians sit at a play, or a large group of musicians.

(noun)

An example of the orchestra is the lowered section in front of the stage where musicians play during a Broadway musical.
An example of an orchestra is a group of musicians playing string, wind brass and percussion instruments.

See orchestra in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

in ancient Greek theaters, the semicircular space in front of the stage, used by the chorus
in modern theaters, the space in front of and below the stage, where the musicians sit
in full orchestra pit
☆
1. the section of seats on the main floor of a theater, esp. the front section
2. the main floor of a theater
1. a usually large group of musicians playing together; often, specif., symphony orchestra
2. the instruments of such a group

Origin: L < Gr orchēstra < orcheisthai, to dance < IE base *ergh-, extension of base *er-, swift movement, a raising > Sans *ṛghāyati, (he) rages, Ger arg, bad

See orchestra in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Music
a. A large group of musicians who play together on various instruments, usually including strings, woodwinds, brass instruments, and percussion instruments.
b. The instruments played by such a group.
The area in a theater or concert hall where the musicians sit, immediately in front of and below the stage.
a. The front section of seats nearest the stage in a theater.
b. The entire main floor of a theater.
A semicircular space in front of the stage used by the chorus in ancient Greek theaters.

Origin:

Origin: Latin orchēstra, the space in front of the stage in Greek theaters where the chorus performed

Origin: , from Greek orkhēstrā

Origin: , from orkheisthai, to dance

Related Forms: