ensemble

[ ahn-sahm-buhl, -sahmb; French ahn-sahn-bluh ]

/ ɑnˈsɑm bəl, -ˈsɑmb; French ɑ̃ˈsɑ̃ blə /

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See synonyms for: ensemble / ensembles on Thesaurus.com

noun, plural en·sem·bles

[ahn-sahm-sahm-buhlz, -sahmbz; French ahn-sahn-bluh]. /ɑnˈsɑmˈsɑm bəlz, -ˈsɑmbz; French ɑ̃ˈsɑ̃ blə/.

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

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.

a set of furniture.

Music.

the united performance of an entire group of singers, musicians, etc.
the group so performing: a string ensemble.

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

OTHER WORDS FOR ensemble

1 totality, entirety, aggregate.

See synonyms for ensemble on Thesaurus.com

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THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of ensemble

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ensemble in a sentence

Zoe Saldana has also recently praised sci-fi movies for the depth and breadth of women in its ensembles.
Science-Fiction TV Finds a New Muse: Feminism|David Levesley|November 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There have been Russian sketch troupes and comic ensembles but never stand-up comedians.
Igor Meerson, Russia’s Funniest Export|Nico Hines|September 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Ensembles are of vestigial interest in this new pop culture.
Van Dyke Parks on How Songwriters Are Getting Screwed in the Digital Age|Van Dyke Parks|June 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But there are worse glossy cartoons, and worse TV ensembles to spend thirty late-night minutes with.
Thank You for Being a Friend: Why TV Re-runs Never Grow Old|Tim Teeman|May 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Be a part of larger ensembles with people who legitimize her and give her credibility.
Is Kristen Wiig Still ‘Girl Most Likely’ to Succeed?|Kevin Fallon|July 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Bellini's, Auber's and Spontini's scores are thin compared with his; even Auber's grandest ensembles lack his sham magnificence.
Richard Wagner|John F. Runciman
In the enormously difficult ensembles of the singers in the second act, not one single note was omitted last night.
Louis Spohr's Autobiography|Louis Spohr
After we get the numbers taught—that is, the songs—then I start to teach the ensembles to dance the different routines.
The Art of Stage Dancing|Ned Wayburn
We find none of the set forms of the later opera seria, no regular arie, no duets, no ensembles.
Life Of Mozart, Vol. 2 (of 3)|Otto Jahn
The ensembles are of a far higher character than the solos, both as regards characterisation and musical execution.
Life Of Mozart, Vol. 1 (of 3)|Otto Jahn

British Dictionary definitions for ensemble

ensemble

/ (ɒnˈsɒmbəl, French ɑ̃sɑ̃blə) /

noun

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

a person's complete costume; outfit

the cast of a play other than the principals; supporting players
(as modifier)an ensemble role

music

a group of soloists singing or playing together
(as modifier)an ensemble passage

music the degree of precision and unity exhibited by a group of instrumentalists or singers performing togetherthe ensemble of the strings is good

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

physics

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

adverb

all together or at once

adjective

(of a film or play) involving several separate but often interrelated story linesensemble comedy drama

involving no individual star but several actors whose roles are of equal importancefine ensemble playing

Word Origin for ensemble

C15: from French: together, from Latin insimul, from in- ² + simul at the same time

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

ensemble

OTHER WORDS FOR ensemble

Origin of ensemble

Words related to ensemble

How to use ensemble in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ensemble

Word Origin for ensemble