orchestra Hear it!

orchestra Definition

or·ches·tra (ôrkis trə, ôrkes′-)

noun

  1. in ancient Greek theaters, the semicircular space in front of the stage, used by the chorus
  2. in modern theaters, the space in front of and below the stage, where the musicians sit
    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

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

orchestra Synonyms

orchestra

n.

musical ensemble, symphony, Kapelle (German); see band 4.

Types of orchestras include: concert, symphony, philharmonic, chamber, string, dance, jazz, radio, television, studio, theater, swing, sinfonietta, jazz band.

orchestra Usage Examples

Converse of subject

accompany: Congregational carols will again be accompanied by the orchestra.

Converse of object

  • conduct: He also played in orchestras conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham.
  • assemble: Adrian Boynton assembles the orchestra and directs it so successfully that everyone involved must share the sheer joy of doing something so well.
  • found: Gidon Kremer and Kremerata Baltica join the Hazard Chase roster Internationally renowned violinist Gidon Kremer founded the chamber orchestra Kremerata Baltica in 1997.

Adjective modifier

  • symphonic: More voices gives you the ability to layer instruments, add parts to your arrangement and approximate huge symphonic orchestras.
  • amateur: The station will also dedicate an evening to performances by amateur orchestras.
  • 15-piece: With a talented cast and 15-piece orchestra, take a trip back to the glamorous, hot, glitzy nights of Las Vegas.
  • classical: The horns, indeed, operate much as they do in the classical orchestra: in a modest, supportive role.
  • leading: He has also played tuba with many of the world's leading symphony orchestras.
  • acclaimed: Founded in 1990, Southern Sinfonia is the highly acclaimed professional chamber orchestra of southern England.

Modifies a noun

  • pit: There's a deep rumble from the orchestra pit, the curtain glides up, lights, action.
  • conductor: An orchestra conductor, for instance, would not engage player without auditioning their instrument.
  • elevator: A new orchestra elevator provides the Dome with greater flexibility than ever before.
  • rehearsal: Losing my Friday night to an orchestra rehearsal didn't exactly get me off to the best start.

Noun used with modifier

  • symphony: The West Midlands also has its own symphony orchestra, English Symphony Orchestra, based in Great Malvern.
  • chamber: Some students have even formed their own chamber orchestras on NYO courses!
  • gamelan: Students have the opportunity to participate in activities ranging from gamelan orchestra to fully staged opera.
  • baroque: There will be a Baroque dance class, plus viols, recorder consorts, early brass and baroque orchestra.
  • string: A short time later, Buddy recorded with a string orchestra, again at Norman Petty's suggestion.
  • youth: I cannot imagine any youth orchestra in the world surpassing this.

Browse dictionary entries near orchestra

  1. orchardist
  2. orchard
  3. orch
  4. orcein
  5. orca
  6. orc
  7. orbiting
  8. orbiter
  9. orbited
  10. orbital index
  1. orchestral
  2. orchestrate
  3. orchestrion
  4. orchi-
  5. orchid
  6. orchido-
  7. orchidology
  8. orchidotomy
  9. orchiectomy
  10. orchil