symphony orchestra

American  

noun

1. a large orchestra composed of wind, string, and percussion instruments and organized to perform symphonic compositions.

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symphony orchestra British  

noun

1. music an orchestra capable of performing symphonies, esp the large orchestra comprising strings, brass, woodwind, harp, and percussion

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Etymology

Origin of symphony orchestra

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

She performed with opera companies in Nashville and Atlanta, and in Texas she sang with the Dallas Opera, with symphony orchestras in Irving and Plano, and with a master chorale in Amarillo.

From Los Angeles Times

She approached the headmaster at her conservatory who placed her in a string ensemble before advancing her to the symphony orchestra as a violinist.

From Los Angeles Times

But moving to Toronto, Carrillo struggled in anonymity for ice time and support in a country with more symphony orchestras than skating rinks.

From Los Angeles Times

And Mr. Smith, who also uses electronics, employed a trap set, vibraphone, and much of a symphony orchestra’s percussion section.

From The Wall Street Journal

But even the best film music has often been relegated to “pops” and summertime concerts, with a tacit judgment among symphony orchestras that it should only ever be paired with children and picnic blankets.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chamber orchestra