orchestrate

verb

or·​ches·​trate ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrāt How to pronounce orchestrate (audio)
orchestrated; orchestrating

transitive verb

1
a
: to compose or arrange (music) for an orchestra
The composer orchestrated the music for the symphony orchestra.
b
: to provide with orchestration
orchestrate a ballet
2
: to arrange or combine so as to achieve a desired or maximum effect
orchestrated preparations for the banquet
a carefully orchestrated stunt
orchestrator noun
or less commonly orchestrater

Examples of orchestrate in a Sentence

He recently orchestrated a musical. She orchestrated the entire event. It's still unclear who was responsible for orchestrating the attack. A strike was orchestrated by union members.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
After this, former President Klaus Iohannis declassified intelligence documents that alleged that Russia orchestrated an election campaign to promote him on social media and communications platforms. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 Virgin’s version of a cruise director, the Happenings Cast – the charismatic troupe that orchestrates most activities on the ship – move with an air of mystery and invitation. Josh Rivera, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025 One of the most prominent theories about Biggie's murder involves an allegation that Knight orchestrated the killing with the assistance of the LAPD. Skyler Trepel, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025 The history between the two dates back to Big Brother Reindeer Games, when Britney orchestrated Danielle's Reindeer Games elimination on a hamster wheel maze, even though another player (Taylor Hale) volunteered to do the challenge instead of Danielle. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for orchestrate

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of orchestrate was in 1858

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Orchestrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchestrate. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

orchestrate

verb
or·​ches·​trate ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrāt How to pronounce orchestrate (audio)
orchestrated; orchestrating
1
: to write or arrange music for an orchestra
2
: to arrange or combine so as to get the best effect
orchestration
ˌȯr-kə-ˈstrā-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on orchestrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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