orchestra
noun
or·ches·tra
ˈȯr-kə-strə 
-ˌke-
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
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
While the show’s famed opening theme was created by Danny Elfman (though Clausen rearranged it beginning in Season 3), Clausen scored hundreds of memorable moments in Springfield over the course of nearly 600 episodes, with Clausen reportedly commanding a 35-piece orchestra for each show.
—
Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 31 May 2025
Clausen conducted a 35-piece orchestra every week, something producers insisted upon from the beginning.
—Jon Burlingame, Variety, 30 May 2025
The Simpsons used a 35-piece orchestra, which Clausen conducted, enabling the wide variety of musical styles required by the show.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 30 May 2025
But at what cost? Scaling a company is like evolving from a small band into a full orchestra, where process and infrastructure are mission-critical.
—Niki Jorgensen, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for orchestra
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.
Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 31 May 2025
Clausen conducted a 35-piece orchestra every week, something producers insisted upon from the beginning.
—Jon Burlingame, Variety, 30 May 2025
The Simpsons used a 35-piece orchestra, which Clausen conducted, enabling the wide variety of musical styles required by the show.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 30 May 2025
But at what cost? Scaling a company is like evolving from a small band into a full orchestra, where process and infrastructure are mission-critical.
—Niki Jorgensen, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for orchestra
Cite this Entry
“Orchestra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchestra. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
orchestra
noun
or·ches·tra
ˈȯr-kə-strə
-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.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share