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

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

Sixteen members of the all-volunteer orchestra and the Brentwood Palisades Chorale lost homes in the fire. —Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2025

The principal vocalists—including the tenor Stephen Costello, who premièred the character of Greenhorn back in 2010; the tenor Brandon Jovanovich, as Captain Ahab; and Ryan Speedo Green, as the royal Polynesian harpooner Queequeg—and a robust chorus are bolstered, of course, by the Met’s orchestra. —The New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2025

Simplification Through Orchestration Think of orchestration as the conductor of an orchestra—coordinating different instruments (systems) to create a harmonious performance. —Rujul Zaparde, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

Chipman will present archival photos and video interviews during the event, which will cover the history of the symphony from its beginning in the 1950s as a community orchestra to its current status as an award-winning professional orchestra, according to the library’s website. —Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025

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

• chamber orchestra
• symphony orchestra
• the orchestra

Kids 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.