orchestrate

American  

[awr-kuh-streyt] / ˈɔr kəˌstreɪt /

verb (used with or without object)

orchestrated, orchestrating

1. to compose or arrange (music) for performance by an orchestra.

2. to arrange or manipulate, especially by means of clever or thorough planning or maneuvering.

   to orchestrate a profitable trade agreement.

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orchestrate British  

/ ˈɔːkɪˌstreɪt /

verb

1. to score or arrange (a piece of music) for orchestra

2. to arrange, organize, or build up for special or maximum effect

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Other Word Forms

• orchestrater noun
• orchestration noun
• orchestrator noun
• overorchestrate verb
• reorchestrate verb
• unorchestrated adjective

Etymology

Origin of orchestrate

First recorded in 1875–80; from French orchestr(er) (derivative of orchestre orchestra ) + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

The business has launched three AI-focused platforms to help clients accelerate software development, build AI agents—systems that can take actions on behalf of humans—and orchestrate workflows, and automate maintenance of IT platforms, Vaz said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

These hubs help orchestrate activity across networks, selecting the right systems for the job.

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

She felt responsible for the patient’s future, so she made up a diagnosis to orchestrate an admission.

From Slate • Jan. 26, 2026

With enough of a budget, a single developer can orchestrate teams of agents to work on existing codebases or even to start a project from scratch.

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

“You thought Father Olufemi would be clever enough to orchestrate such things? You thought he could compel warriors to kill their own for nearly a century undetected?”

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

Related Words

• arrange
• coordinate
• manage
• set up