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
Michael Gerdes, director of orchestras at San Diego State University, leads the lectures.
—
La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Tego Calderón, rapper and producer Héctor el Father, salsa orchestra El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and Latin pop icon Ricky Martin.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
The orchestra shifts seamlessly among movie-music impressionism, brief minimalist pulsings, patches that sound like updated Gilbert and Sullivan, and heart-on-sleeve surges of voices and orchestra worthy of Andrew Lloyd Webber.
—Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
His response was to create a grand waltz for orchestra and choir.
—Jon Burlingame, Variety, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for orchestra
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La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Tego Calderón, rapper and producer Héctor el Father, salsa orchestra El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and Latin pop icon Ricky Martin.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
The orchestra shifts seamlessly among movie-music impressionism, brief minimalist pulsings, patches that sound like updated Gilbert and Sullivan, and heart-on-sleeve surges of voices and orchestra worthy of Andrew Lloyd Webber.
—Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
His response was to create a grand waltz for orchestra and choir.
—Jon Burlingame, Variety, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for orchestra
Cite this Entry
“Orchestra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchestra. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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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