First Known Use: 1606
Dictionary
orchestra
noun or·ches·tra \ˈȯr-kəs-trə, -ˌkes-\
: a group of musicians who play usually classical music together and who are led by a conductor
the orchestra : a group of seats in a theater that are close to the stage
Full Definition of ORCHESTRA
1
a : the circular space used by the chorus in front of the proscenium in an ancient Greek theater b : a corresponding semicircular space in a Roman theater used for seating important persons
2
a : the space in front of the stage in a modern theater that is used by an orchestra b : the forward section of seats on the main floor of a theater c : the main floor of a theater
3
: a group of musicians including especially string players organized to perform ensemble music — compare band
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Origin of ORCHESTRA
Latin, from Greek orchēstra, from orcheisthai to dance; perhaps akin to Sanskrit ṛghāyati he trembles, he rages
Related to ORCHESTRA
- Synonyms
- 2band, philharmonic, symphony, symphony orchestra
Other Music Terms
ORCHESTRA Defined for Kids
orchestra
noun or·ches·tra \ˈȯr-kə-strə\
Definition of ORCHESTRA for Kids
1
: a group of musicians who perform instrumental music using mostly stringed instruments
2
: the front part of the main floor in a theater
— or·ches·tral \ȯr-ˈke-strəl\ adjective
Word History of ORCHESTRA
In ancient Greek plays the chorus danced and sang in a space in front of the stage. The Greek name for this space was orchēstra, which came from the verb orcheisthai, “to dance.” The English word orchestra came from the Greek word for the space in front of a stage. At first the English word was used to refer to such a space but is now used to mean “the front part of the main floor.” In today's theaters a group of musicians often sits in the space in front of the stage. Such a group, too, came to be called an orchestra.
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