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

Its cast is exactly the sprightly ensemble needed to land its what-if laughs.

From Los Angeles Times

Among the interesting segments of the film is Mr. Dutton’s recounting of how the ensemble’s rise coincided with the increasing popularity of digital recording.

From The Wall Street Journal

Set in the fictional Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and the continent of Essos, Game of Thrones featured one of the largest ensemble casts in television.

From BBC

“Amadeus” relies heavy on monologues, and Mays is not only a crack ensemble player but also a master soloist.

From Los Angeles Times

With the aid of Sara Gettelfinger’s choreography, the five subordinate characters jelled as an ensemble, supplying ambience and making up for the missing chorus.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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