noun

orchestra

AW-kihs-truh

noun

A large group of musicians who play together, typically combining strings, woodwind, brass, and percussion.

"The orchestra tuned their instruments as the audience took their seats."

"She plays second violin in the city orchestra."

The section of a theatre or concert hall, just in front of the stage, where the musicians sit.

"We had seats in the orchestra, close enough to see the conductor's face."

How to Use Orchestra

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA group of musicians playing together, or the area where they sit.

Common pairings

symphony orchestra conduct an orchestra orchestra pit

orchestras plural, orchestrae plural

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The _____ tuned their instruments as the audience took their seats.

From Ancient Greek orkhḗstra, the semicircular space in front of a Greek theatre stage where the chorus danced — from orkhéomai, "to dance."