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

However, surrounded by imaginative installations inspired by characters, scenes, and songs from the Tim Burton classic, visitors will want to stroll at a leisurely pace to fully immerse themselves in the symphony of sights and sounds. —Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024

The ceiling was raised, and a choral terrace was built onstage so the orchestra can perform Mahler’s third symphony. —Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2024

American Symphony Higher Ground, Mercury Studios, Our Time Projects – Netflix Production team While composing an original symphony for Carnegie Hall, Jon Batiste receives 11 Grammy nominations and is at a career high. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2024

From time to time, schools of small fish breach the water in unison, as if in symphony. —Josh Lederman, NBC News, 15 Sep. 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