philharmonic

[ fil-hahr-mon-ik, fil-er- ]

/ ˌfɪl hɑrˈmɒn ɪk, ˌfɪl ər- /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR philharmonic ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

fond of or devoted to music; music-loving: used especially in the name of certain musical societies that sponsor symphony orchestras (Philharmonic Societies) and hence applied to their concerts (philharmonic concerts).

of, noting, or presented by a symphony orchestra or the society sponsoring it.

noun

a symphony orchestra or the society sponsoring it.

Nearby words

Origin of philharmonic

1755–65; phil- + harmonic; modeled on French philharmonique or Italian filarmonico

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for philharmonic

Credit Suisse has been the exclusive Global Sponsor of the New York Philharmonic since 2007.
The New York Philharmonic Kicks Off its 170th Season|Daily Beast Promotions|September 19, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Philharmonic President and Executive Director Zarin Mehta has high hopes for the 2010–11 season as well.
The New York Philharmonic and Credit Suisse Kick Off the 2010-11 Season with a Free Dress Rehearsal|Daily Beast Promotions|September 22, 2010|DAILY BEAST
On Monday morning, the Philharmonic announced that financier Henry R. Kravis will donate that impressive sum to the symphony.
The 21st-Century Maestro|Rachel Syme|September 15, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Do not buy the big, pre-assembled block of knives with more pieces than the London Philharmonic.
The Perfect Use for Deadly Weapons|Chad Ward|July 21, 2009|DAILY BEAST

Finally, the last Philharmonic is on the 11th, where I am to conduct some piece.
Letters of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy from Italy and Switzerland|Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy
Meanwhile my turn had come to direct one of the Philharmonic concerts, and I had created no less sensation than with my solo play.
Louis Spohr's Autobiography|Louis Spohr
I promise to bring with me two new large symphonies, which shall become the exclusive property of the Philharmonic Society.
Musical Myths and Facts, Volume II (of 2)|Carl Engel
For many years he had led the Philharmonic orchestra and those of the great provincial festivals.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 4|Various
To settle the argument the skeptical friend called the office of the Philharmonic.
The World's Great Men of Music|Harriette Brower

British Dictionary definitions for philharmonic

philharmonic

/ (ˌfɪlhɑːˈmɒnɪk, ˌfɪlə-) /

adjective

fond of music

(capital when part of a name) denoting an orchestra, choir, society, etc, devoted to the performance, appreciation, and study of music

noun

(capital when part of a name) a specific philharmonic choir, orchestra, or society

Word Origin for philharmonic

C18: from French philharmonique, from Italian filarmonico music-loving; see philo-, harmony

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

Word Origin and History for philharmonic

philharmonic

adj.

1813 (in the name of a society founded in London for the promotion of instrumental music), from French philharmonique (1739), from Italian filarmonico, literally "loving harmony," from Greek philos "loving" see philo-) + ta harmonika "theory of harmony, music," from neuter plural of harmonikos (see harmonic). The Society name was taken up in the names of many symphony orchestras.