ensemble

American  

[ahn-sahm-buhl, -sahmb, ahn-sahn-bl^uh] / ɑnˈsɑm bəl, -ˈsɑmb, ɑ̃ˈsɑ̃ blə /

noun

• ensembles
  plural

1. all the parts of a thing taken together, so that each part is considered only in relation to the whole.

   Synonyms:

   aggregate, entirety, totality

2. the entire costume of an individual, especially when all the parts are in harmony.

   She was wearing a beautiful ensemble by one of the French designers.

3. a set of furniture.

4. Music.

   1. the united performance of an entire group of singers, musicians, etc.

   2. the group so performing.

      a string ensemble.

5. a group of supporting entertainers, as actors, dancers, and singers, in a theatrical production.

---

ensemble British  

/ ɑ̃sɑ̃blə, ɒnˈsɒmbəl /

noun

1. all the parts of something considered together and in relation to the whole

2. a person's complete costume; outfit

3. 1. the cast of a play other than the principals; supporting players

   2. ( as modifier )

      an ensemble role

4. music

   1. a group of soloists singing or playing together

   2. ( as modifier )

      an ensemble passage

5. music the degree of precision and unity exhibited by a group of instrumentalists or singers performing together

   the ensemble of the strings is good

6. the general or total effect of something made up of individual parts

7. physics

   1. a set of systems (such as a set of collections of atoms) that are identical in all respects apart from the motions of their constituents

   2. a single system (such as a collection of atoms) in which the properties are determined by the statistical behaviour of its constituents

---

adverb

1. all together or at once

adjective

1. (of a film or play) involving several separate but often interrelated story lines

   ensemble comedy drama

2. involving no individual star but several actors whose roles are of equal importance

   fine ensemble playing

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• ensembles
  plural

Etymology

Origin of ensemble

1740–50; < French: together < Latin insimul, equivalent to in- in- ² + simul together; see simultaneous

Explanation

An ensemble is a group of musicians, dancers, or actors who perform together, like an ensemble which has been playing music together for several years. Ensemble comes from the Middle French word ensemblée, which means "together, at the same time." Groups of people who perform at the same time are ensembles, so are things that are put together. A collection of short stories or artwork can be an ensemble, but you don't have to be a writer or artist to be complimented on your ensemble — the outfit you are wearing.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ensemble ensembles

Mr. Sosa made able use of his small instrumental ensemble of string quartet, bass, percussion and keyboard to create mood, texture and propulsion.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

As in those first-rate productions, she displays an admirable affinity for shaping ensemble works, allowing all the actors to shine, with careful attention to drawing forth contoured performances in even the smaller roles.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026

The film holds the title of the second-highest grossing film ever, after earning $2.8 billion, driven by an ensemble cast including Robert Downey Jr., Josh Brolin and Scarlett Johansson.

From Barron's ● Sep. 27, 2026

It follows each hour of a 12-hour shift at an emergency room in Pittsburgh and features an ensemble cast with Wyle’s Dr. Robby as the heart of the show.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026

She’d added a rescued shawl to her ensemble, tying it in an elaborate bow beneath her chin.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

Silvana Armani, the Italian designer's niece, offered black-and-white dresses and ensembles, with necklines sometimes plunging all the way to the navel.

From Barron's ● Sep. 27, 2026

The event kicked off with multicultural music by Native American, Korean and West African drum ensembles.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2026

Acts can range from professional bands and student ensembles to casual players performing for an audience for the first time.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 24, 2026

Kusama, who had voluntarily lived in a pyschiatric hospital for decades, was known for her bright-red wig and quirky polka-dot ensembles.

From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026

Miss Lacey checked everyone’s ensembles, making last-minute adjustments and giving final instructions as to how to show off the pieces.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Related Words

• assemblage
• band
• cast
• choir
• chorus
• orchestra
• quartet
• quintet
• sextet
• trio
• troupe