ensemble

[ ahn-sahm-buhl, -sahmb; French ahn-sahn-bluh ]
/ ɑnˈsɑm bəl, -ˈsɑmb; French ɑ̃ˈsɑ̃ blə /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR ensemble 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.
  1. the united performance of an entire group of singers, musicians, etc.
  2. the group so performing: a string ensemble.
a group of supporting entertainers, as actors, dancers, and singers, in a theatrical production.

QUIZZES

DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?

"The Handmaid's Tale" was required reading for many of us in school. Everyone else has probably watched the very popular and addictive TV show. Do you remember this vocabulary from the book, and do you know what these terms mean?
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decorum
the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.
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Origin of ensemble

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

Words nearby ensemble

ensanguine, enschede, ensconce, enscroll, ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem, ensemble, ensemble acting, ensenada, ensepulcher, enserf, ensheathe
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to ensembles

chorus, trio, cast, orchestra, band, troupe, assemblage, quintet, sextet, choir, quartet, garb, costume, suit, gathering, set, group, composite, sum, outfit

Example sentences from the Web for ensembles

British Dictionary definitions for ensembles

ensemble
/ (ɒnˈsɒmbəl, French ɑ̃sɑ̃blə) /

noun

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