Orchestra — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈȯr-kə-strə/ or·ches·tra

Meaning & Definition of Orchestra

Orchestra (noun)

  1. the circular space used by the chorus in front of the proscenium in an ancient Greek theater
  2. a corresponding semicircular space in a Roman theater used for seating important persons
  3. the space in front of the stage in a modern theater that is used by an orchestra

Orchestra (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a usually large group of musicians playing together

    "the orchestra will be performing a selection of Beethoven pieces tomorrow night"

    similar: band, philharmonic, symphony, symphony orchestra
    related: brass band, chamber orchestra, sinfonietta, brasses, strings, woodwinds, combo, ensemble, group, company, troupe, duo, octet, quartet, quintet, septet, sextet, trio

Related Entry: Symphony orchestra (noun)

Symphony orchestra is a different word from Orchestra. The synonyms below are for symphony orchestra, not for orchestra.

  1. a usually large group of musicians playing together

    "plays oboe in the local symphony orchestra"

    similar: band, orchestra, philharmonic, symphony
    related: brass band, chamber orchestra, sinfonietta, brasses, strings, woodwinds, combo, ensemble, group, company, troupe, duo, octet, quartet, quintet, septet, sextet, trio

Related Entry: Chamber orchestra (noun)

Chamber orchestra is a different word from Orchestra. The synonyms below are for chamber orchestra, not for orchestra.

  1. as in brass band, sinfonietta

    similar: brass band, sinfonietta, band, orchestra, philharmonic, symphony, symphony orchestra, brasses, strings, woodwinds, combo, ensemble, group, company, troupe, duo, octet, quartet, quintet, septet, sextet, trio

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Orchestra

The most common words with a similar meaning to Orchestra:

band, philharmonic, symphony, symphony orchestra

Related Words for Orchestra

brass band, chamber orchestra, sinfonietta, brasses, strings, woodwinds, combo, ensemble, group, company, troupe, duo, octet, quartet, quintet, septet, sextet, trio

Origin & Etymology of Orchestra

Latin, from Greek orchēstra, from orcheisthai to dance; perhaps akin to Sanskrit ṛghāyati he trembles, he rages

First known use: 1606

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Orchestra

Words & Phrases Containing Orchestra

chamber orchestra, symphony orchestra, the orchestra

Frequently Asked Questions about Orchestra

What does "Orchestra" mean?

"Orchestra" means the circular space used by the chorus in front of the proscenium in an ancient Greek theater. As a noun, it is defined as: the circular space used by the chorus in front of the proscenium in an ancient Greek theater.

What is another word for "Orchestra"?

Other words for "Orchestra" include band, philharmonic, symphony and symphony orchestra. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Orchestra" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Orchestra"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Orchestra". Common alternatives include band, philharmonic, symphony and symphony orchestra.

How do you use "Orchestra" in a sentence?

Examples of "Orchestra" in a sentence: "the orchestra will be performing a selection of Beethoven pieces tomorrow night".

Is "Orchestra" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Orchestra" is a noun.

Is "Orchestra" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Orchestra" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Orchestra"?

"Orchestra" is pronounced /ˈȯr-kə-strə/ and divided into syllables as or·ches·tra.

What is the origin of the word "Orchestra"?

"Orchestra" comes from Latin, from Greek orchēstra, from orcheisthai to dance; perhaps akin to Sanskrit ṛghāyati he trembles, he rages. First known use: 1606.