symphony

noun

sym·​pho·​ny ˈsim(p)-fə-nē How to pronounce symphony (audio)
plural symphonies
Synonyms of symphonynext
1
: consonance of sounds
2
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
b
: a symphony orchestra concert
5
: something that in its harmonious complexity or variety suggests a symphonic composition
a symphony of flavors

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nor does opera, symphonies, orchestras. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026 The program includes Howard Hanson’s Romantic Symphony, a beautiful and seldom-heard symphony by an American composer. Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026 His name was Tuomas Hannikainen, a part-time conductor who had recorded a symphony of the sounds made by wild ice. Boris Fishman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026 The symphony, conducted by its music director Carolyn Kuan, is playing a ballet score by Prokofiev inspired by Shakespeare’s immortal drama about two young lovers from feuding families at the Belding Theater at The Bushnell, located at 166 Capitol Ave. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for symphony

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of symphony was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Symphony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symphony. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

symphony

noun
sym·​pho·​ny ˈsim(p)-fə-nē How to pronounce symphony (audio)
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
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

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