choreograph

American  

[kawr-ee-uh-graf, -grahf, kohr-] / ˈkɔr i əˌgræf, -ˌgrɑf, ˈkoʊr- /

verb (used with object)

1. to provide the choreography for.

   to choreograph a musical comedy.

2. to manage, maneuver, or direct.

   The author is a genius at choreographing a large cast of characters.

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verb (used without object)

1. to work as a choreographer.

choreograph British  

/ ˈkɒrɪəˌɡræf /

verb

1. (tr) to compose the steps and dances for (a piece of music or ballet)

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Other Word Forms

• rechoreograph verb (used with object)
• unchoreographed adjective

Etymology

Origin of choreograph

First recorded in 1875–80; back formation from choreography

Example Sentences

But for Beijing, which likes to carefully choreograph such events to avoid any possibility of embarrassment, Trump's free-wheeling style is proving a challenge.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

He played a part in the government’s bailout of AIG, a major insurer, and helped choreograph JPMorgan’s acquisition of Bear Stearns, an investment bank brought to its knees by the crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

Not the menu, necessarily, but the way they choreograph comfort.

From Salon • Nov. 25, 2025

Under the direction of Kim Noble, this touring production from Washington, D.C.’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company found ways to choreograph the simultaneous activities of disparate audience members into a lyrical theatrical patchwork.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2025

“It’s that we can’t really choreograph the dance routine before registration.”

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy