An orchestra is a large group of musicians who play a variety of different instruments together. Orchestras usually play classical music.
...the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
2. See also chamber orchestra, symphony orchestra
3. singular noun [NOUN noun]
Theorchestra or theorchestra seats in a theatre or concert hall are the seats on the ground floor directly in front of the stage.
[mainly US]regional note: in BRIT, usually use stalls
orchestra in British English
(ˈɔːkɪstrə)
noun
1.
a large group of musicians, esp one whose members play a variety of different instruments
See also symphony orchestra, string orchestra, chamber orchestra
2.
a group of musicians, each playing the same type of instrument
a balalaika orchestra
3. Also called: orchestra pit
the space reserved for musicians in a theatre, immediately in front of or under the stage
4. mainly US and Canadian
the stalls in a theatre
5.
(in the ancient Greek theatre) the semicircular space in front of the stage
Derived forms
orchestral (ɔːˈkɛstrəl)
adjective
orchestrally (orˈchestrally)
adverb
Word origin
C17: via Latin from Greek: the space in the theatre reserved for the chorus, fromorkheisthai to dance
orchestra in American English
(ˈɔrkɪstrə; ˈɔrˌkɛstrə)
noun
1.
in ancient Greek theaters, the semicircular space in front of the stage, used bythe chorus
2.
in modern theaters, the space in front of and below the stage, where the musicians sit
: in full orchestra pit
3. US
a.
the section of seats on the main floor of a theater, esp. the front section
b.
the main floor of a theater
4.
a.
a usually large group of musicians playing together; often, specif., symphony orchestra
b.
the instruments of such a group
Word origin
L < Gr orchēstra < orcheisthai, to dance < IE base *ergh-, extension of base *er-, swift movement, a raising > Sans *ṛghāyati, (he) rages, Ger arg, bad
Examples of 'orchestra' in a sentence
orchestra
Sometimes he did both at once, playing a solo cello part while conducting the orchestra behind him.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
At the Proms this summer a German radio orchestra played their final concert.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The work is effectively an improvisation for a large orchestra.
The Times Literary Supplement (2011)
Why is a top orchestra playing musicals at all?
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
How could a classical orchestra embody my sense of fury with the world?
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The orchestra and chorus provided the basis for success.
Susie Gilbert and Jay Shir A TALE OF FOUR HOUSES: Opera at Covent Garden, La Scala, Vienna and the Met since1945 (2003)
Three-quarters of pupils studied triple sciences and all learn a string instrument to orchestra standard.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
You march along as if conducting an invisible orchestra because there are no paths.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The other two works benefit from a live string orchestra on stage.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The playing of the orchestra itself was the most rewarding part of the residency.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The subsidy would be better directed at regional theatre, orchestras and galleries.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It was live, with a salsa orchestra and a large audience.
Carlos Acosta No Way Home: A Cuban Dancer's Tale (2007)
And that a classical orchestra made front-page news around the world was good for music.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
An independent school without its own orchestra, theatre and art studio would be out of business.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
It's a must for the performance of the orchestra and splendid chorus alone.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Soon there are other characters, prancing around in front of the orchestra.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This time around though, the album has been made to the sounds of a full concert orchestra.
The Sun (2014)
Today there will be frantic activity for the six hours that we are actually out on stage conducting the orchestra of flame and noise.
The Sun (2009)
In western classical music it is always with a group or orchestra, but Indian classical music is meditative because it is solitary.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
In other languages
orchestra
British English: orchestra /ˈɔːkɪstrə/ NOUN
An orchestra is a large group of musicians who play a variety of different instruments together.