symphony orchestra

noun

1. a large orchestra composed of wind, string, and percussion instruments and organized to perform symphonic compositions.

symphony orchestra

noun

1. music an orchestra capable of performing symphonies, esp the large orchestra comprising strings, brass, woodwind, harp, and percussion

Word History and Origins

Origin of symphony orchestra¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Phil president and chief executive last summer, and with it she proposes a possible rethink of the very nature of how a symphony orchestra might operate in the future.

From Los Angeles Times

When Bryant heard John’s piece for the very first time, emanating from a symphony orchestra, “Oh my God,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Next year, he will become the first Latin American to lead the New York Philharmonic, the oldest symphony orchestra in the US.

From BBC

But he’s focusing on the positive, noting that he’s now working with other symphony orchestras with that free time.

From Los Angeles Times

For the intro, I wanted to create maybe a Stanley Kubrick movie soundscape, but of course I didn’t have a symphony orchestra or synthesizers or any of that kind of stuff.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chamber orchestra