orchestrate
Americanverb (used with or without object)
-
to compose or arrange (music) for performance by an orchestra.
-
to arrange or manipulate, especially by means of clever or thorough planning or maneuvering.
to orchestrate a profitable trade agreement.
verb
-
to score or arrange (a piece of music) for orchestra
-
to arrange, organize, or build up for special or maximum effect
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of orchestrate
First recorded in 1875–80; from French orchestr(er) (derivative of orchestre orchestra ) + -ate 1
Explanation
To orchestrate is to design or organize something, like a plan or a project. You could orchestrate an orchestra or you could just orchestrate a yard sale. An orchestra is a large group of classical musicians led by a conductor: it consists of many people playing together. Similarly, when we talk about orchestrating, someone is coordinating the activities of many people to accomplish something. The manager of an office orchestrates the business. A coach orchestrates the play of the team. Terrorist leaders orchestrate attacks. Orchestrating is like directing, and it applies to many more things than just music.
Vocabulary lists containing orchestrate
The Devil's Arithmetic
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Fault in Our Stars
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry, Introduction and Afterword
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He strongly implies she was instructed to orchestrate her own arrest in order to create propaganda for the movement.
From Salon • May 20, 2026
But I could orchestrate it with songwriting and that was my part.
From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026
Last year, Iger helped orchestrate a $1 billion deal with OpenAI, by which Disney agreed to license more than 200 of its characters so users could create AI-generated content with OpenAI’s text-to-video offering Sora.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026
“IBM products and services are helping clients orchestrate, deploy and govern AI across hybrid environments,” Krishna said in a statement.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026
By “duty,” Jefferson meant his obligation to orchestrate the opposition to Adams’s presidency.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
