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
For decades after the rebuild, nightly dinners at the lodge restaurant would be accompanied by talent shows, dances and music by college orchestras.
—
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 July 2025
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard Westville Music Bowl, 45 Yale Ave., New Haven
Australian rockers King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are the latest band this summer to play Westville Music Bowl backed by a local orchestra.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2025
On July 23, 1984, Commodore hosted a black-tie launch event in New York City at Lincoln Center, complete with an orchestra and live hardware demonstrations.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 24 July 2025
This summer, Beck and his band are reviving a concept from last year, performing songs from his catalog with full orchestras in 11 cities.
—Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for orchestra
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The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 July 2025
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard Westville Music Bowl, 45 Yale Ave., New Haven
Australian rockers King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are the latest band this summer to play Westville Music Bowl backed by a local orchestra.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2025
On July 23, 1984, Commodore hosted a black-tie launch event in New York City at Lincoln Center, complete with an orchestra and live hardware demonstrations.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 24 July 2025
This summer, Beck and his band are reviving a concept from last year, performing songs from his catalog with full orchestras in 11 cities.
—Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 18 July 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 4 Aug. 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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