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
Synonyms
- band
- philharmonic
- symphony
- symphony orchestra
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
He plays violin in the school orchestra. the orchestra will be performing a selection of Beethoven pieces tomorrow night
Recent Examples on the Web But when a former mentee of her own commits suicide, questions of culpability and undue intimacies begin to spill over in ways that Francesca and the press department at the orchestra can no longer contain. 
Leah Greenblatt, EW.com, 5 Sep. 2022 McDonagh and stars Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Kerry Condon hugged each other throughout the ovation and walked up and down the mezzanine to the orchestra. Brent Lang, Variety, 5 Sep. 2022 Despite the concert title, the big news is the premiere of a new composition by the orchestra’s Creative Chair, Portland composer Gabriel Kahane. Brett Campbell | For The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, 1 Sep. 2022 Field captures the minutiae of a very particular world, injecting excitement into Lydia and the orchestra’s progress with the Mahler and anticipation around her choice of companion piece for the recording, and its soloist. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Sep. 2022 The orchestra is partially supported by a grant from the Evanston Arts Council, a city agency supported by the City of Evanston, and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Gina Grillo, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2022 The orchestra was a local band: the Camerata Salzburg. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 28 Aug. 2022 As a conducting fellow at Tanglewood in the late-1960s, Michael Tilson Thomas leads the TMC orchestra. Jeremy Eichler, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Aug. 2022 The new orchestra will kick off a 13-concert season Sept. 16. Deborah Martin, San Antonio Express-News, 24 Aug. 2022 See More
Leah Greenblatt, EW.com, 5 Sep. 2022 McDonagh and stars Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Kerry Condon hugged each other throughout the ovation and walked up and down the mezzanine to the orchestra. Brent Lang, Variety, 5 Sep. 2022 Despite the concert title, the big news is the premiere of a new composition by the orchestra’s Creative Chair, Portland composer Gabriel Kahane. Brett Campbell | For The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, 1 Sep. 2022 Field captures the minutiae of a very particular world, injecting excitement into Lydia and the orchestra’s progress with the Mahler and anticipation around her choice of companion piece for the recording, and its soloist. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Sep. 2022 The orchestra is partially supported by a grant from the Evanston Arts Council, a city agency supported by the City of Evanston, and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Gina Grillo, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2022 The orchestra was a local band: the Camerata Salzburg. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 28 Aug. 2022 As a conducting fellow at Tanglewood in the late-1960s, Michael Tilson Thomas leads the TMC orchestra. Jeremy Eichler, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Aug. 2022 The new orchestra will kick off a 13-concert season Sept. 16. Deborah Martin, San Antonio Express-News, 24 Aug. 2022 See More 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
Phrases Containing orchestra
Kids Definition
orchestra
noun
or·ches·tra ˈȯr-kə-strə
1
: a group of musicians who perform instrumental music using mostly stringed instruments
2
: the front part of the main floor in a theater
orchestra
noun
as in philharmonic
a usually large group of musicians playing together the orchestra will be performing a selection of Beethoven pieces tomorrow night Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- philharmonic
- symphony
- band
- symphony orchestra
- ensemble
- sinfonietta
- troupe
- quartet
- woodwinds
- quintet
- brasses
- brass band
- sextet
- chamber orchestra
- group
- strings
- trio
- septet
- combo
- duo
- quartette
- octet
- company