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
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
Lafourcade announced the record, produced by Adan Jodorowsky, with a short trailer featuring a retro performance of her songs in front of a theater curtain, acting out Shakespearian scenes, and strumming her guitar accompanied by an orchestra.
—
Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2025
Nadia has been a vital member of our orchestra for four years, where her technical skill and commitment have elevated the ensemble.
—Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025
Occasionally, albeit rarely, departing musicians return to their old orchestras.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
An orchestra played upon their arrival and West displayed a message on the jumbotron asking Kim to marry him in the lavish proposal, where she was joined by her family and friends.
—Julia Moore, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for orchestra
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Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2025
Nadia has been a vital member of our orchestra for four years, where her technical skill and commitment have elevated the ensemble.
—Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025
Occasionally, albeit rarely, departing musicians return to their old orchestras.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
An orchestra played upon their arrival and West displayed a message on the jumbotron asking Kim to marry him in the lavish proposal, where she was joined by her family and friends.
—Julia Moore, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for orchestra
Cite this Entry
“Orchestra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchestra. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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.
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