ensemble

American  

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

noun

plural

ensembles

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.

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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

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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

Etymology

Origin of ensemble

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

Example Sentences

What ensues is a brilliantly taut ensemble piece.

From Los Angeles Times

US vampire thriller Sinners won four categories including best casting and best ensemble.

From BBC

"Sinners," a period horror film also seen as a major contender for many of this season's top prizes, had to settle for best original screenplay, young actor, score, and casting and ensemble.

From Barron's

Entitled guests have main-character energy; mindful ones see the power in playing an ensemble role.

From The Wall Street Journal

All the ensembles were stylishly handled, and the excellent Met chorus was skillfully woven into the texture throughout.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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