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

The large ensemble cast includes about 15 characters from different instalments of the video game series, and is packed with references and Easter eggs.

From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026

Of the four-person ensemble, I was most intrigued by Rachna Khatau, the wild card of the group whose roles are the most slyly scheming and unpredictable.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026

And yet I found myself strangely apathetic and at times resistant to participating in any of the hoopla around the Shannon/Narducy ensemble.

From Salon ● Oct. 7, 2026

Our critic called it “an absorbing ensemble drama by Andrew Stein about the brave new world of technology.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 27, 2026

Kaan itself dug out a series of reservoirs, established neighborhoods around each one, and linked the ensemble with roads and waterways.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

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

The four were especially good in the opera’s many ensembles.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 17, 2026

A highlight: Striking poses in orange leather ensembles identical to the matching attire worn by Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner at the “Marty Supreme” premiere.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026

We’re known all over the city for being one of the best theater ensembles for teens, and we put plays on every year, inviting the whole community.

From "Watch Us Rise" by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

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

---