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Synonyms

symphony orchestra

American  

noun

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


symphony orchestra British  

noun

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

"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

Etymology

Origin of symphony orchestra

First recorded in 1880–85

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.

See Examples For:

A lively arts scene includes a symphony orchestra, regional theater and the Tucson Folk Festival.

From MarketWatch Aug. 25, 2026

She has two children in the program, her 8-year-old son who was a Sprouts percussionist, and her 13-year-old daughter, Romina Sanchez, a cellist in the symphony orchestra.

From Los Angeles Times Nov. 25, 2025

That same year, Life magazine quoted an unnamed member of a symphony orchestra griping that Sinatra actually had the temerity to tell them what tempos he wanted his arrangements played in.

From The Wall Street Journal Oct. 20, 2025

The radical implication of Fleischmann’s once controversial ideal is of a symphony orchestra expanding into a broad community of musicians, something the L.A.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 2, 2025

But with all my knowledge and scepticism, I have never been able to argue with a one-hundred-piece symphony orchestra, full colour, three dimensions, and I being in and part of those incredible parlours.

From "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury

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