ensemble

1 of 2

noun

en·​sem·​ble än-ˈsäm-bəl 

äⁿ-

: a group producing a single effect: such as

a

: concerted music of two or more parts

b

: a complete costume of harmonizing or complementary clothing and accessories

c(1)

: the musicians engaged in the performance of a musical ensemble

(2)

: a group of supporting players, singers, or dancers

especially : corps de ballet

ensemble

2 of 2

adjective

: emphasizing the roles of all performers as a whole rather than a star performance

ensemble acting

Examples of ensemble in a Sentence

Noun

We went to listen to a new jazz ensemble.

She wore an elegant three-piece ensemble.

The actor performed an ensemble piece.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Of course, her Chanel crossbody bag and sky-high stilettos also helped make the ensemble feel superstar-worthy. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 30 June 2024

Roberts opted to keep her look the centerpiece of her ensemble, forgoing statement jewelry pieces for minimal accessories. —Julia Teti, WWD, 28 June 2024

Adjective

The ensemble cast includes returning members Marisa Abela, Myha’la Herrold, David Jonsson, Conor MacNeill, Sagar Radia, Indy Lewis, Adam Levy, Sarah Parish, Trevor White, Elena Saurel and Irfan Shamji. —Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 2 July 2024

The ensemble cast includes Lakshya, Tanya Maniktala and Raghav Juyal. Stahelski and his 87Eleven Entertainment banner have a deal with Lionsgate to bring the Hollywood studio original action movies to collaborate on, with an eye to establishing future movie franchises. —Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from French, "unity, cohesion, group, set, musical ensemble, outfit," noun derivative of ensemble "together, at the same time," going back to Old French, "with one another," going back to Vulgar Latin *insemul, reshaping of Latin insimul "in company, together," from in- in- entry 2 + simul "together, at the same time" — more at simultaneous

Note: The form *semul may represent an older form of simul preserved in popular Latin; see note at similar.

Adjective

from attributive use of ensemble entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1750, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

circa 1911, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ensemble

noun

en·​sem·​ble

än-ˈsäm-bəl

: a group of people or things making up a complete unit: as

a

: musicians that perform music in several parts

also : the music itself

b

: a set of clothes that look nice together

Etymology

Noun

from French ensemble "group, ensemble," from ensemble (adverb) "together," from Latin insimul (same meaning), from in- "in, into" and simul "at the same time, together" — related to assemble, simultaneous