symphony

noun

sym·​pho·​ny ˈsim(p)-fə-nē 

plural symphonies

1

: consonance of sounds

2

a

: ritornello sense 1

b

: sinfonia sense 1

c(1)

: a usually long and complex sonata for symphony orchestra

(2)

: a musical composition (as for organ) resembling such a symphony in complexity or variety

3

: consonance or harmony of color (as in a painting)

4

a

: symphony orchestra

b

: a symphony orchestra concert

5

: something that in its harmonious complexity or variety suggests a symphonic composition

a symphony of flavors

Synonyms

• balance
• coherence
• concinnity
• consonance
• consonancy
• harmony
• orchestration
• proportion
• symmetry
• unity

Examples of symphony in a Sentence

the satisfying symphony of color in Renoir's canvases

a performance of a Bach concerto by the San Antonio Symphony

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike the attendees at Trump rallies, with their one-note MAGA caps, the Harris crowd furnished a symphony of headgear, from the viral Harris-Walz camo hats to hijabs to a sapphire fascinator to pink knit caps emblazoned with the candidates’ names. —Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024

My test vehicle’s interior was a design symphony, combining red stitching and accent trim with soft, textured black materials on the dash, doors and armrests. —Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 17 Oct. 2024

The rye whiskey's nose is an intricate symphony of rye spice, rich dark chocolate, and toasted oak. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2024

Colombian-American guest conductor Lina Gonzalez-Granados leads the symphony in Gustav Holst’s most famous work, The Planets. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English symphonie, from Middle French, from Latin symphonia, from Greek symphōnia, from symphōnos concordant in sound, from syn- + phōnē voice, sound — more at ban entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing symphony

• symphony orchestra

Kids Definition

symphony

noun

sym·​pho·​ny ˈsim(p)-fə-nē 

plural symphonies

1

: harmonious arrangement (as of sound or color)

a symphony of sounds in the forest

2

: a usually long musical composition for a full orchestra

3

: symphony orchestra

Etymology

Middle English symphonie "pleasing arrangement of sounds," from early French symphonie (same meaning), derived from Greek syn- "together" and phōnē "voice, sound" — related to euphony, phonetic