First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
symphony
noun sym·pho·ny \-nē\
: a long piece of music that is usually in four large, separate sections and that is performed by an orchestra
plural sym·pho·nies
Full Definition of SYMPHONY
1
: consonance of sounds
2
a : ritornello 1 b : sinfonia 1 c (1) : a usually long and complex sonata for symphony orchestra (2) : a musical composition (as for organ) resembling such a symphony in complexity or variety
3
: consonance or harmony of color (as in a painting)
4
a : symphony orchestra b : a symphony orchestra concert
5
: something that in its harmonious complexity or variety suggests a symphonic composition <a symphony of flavors>
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Origin of SYMPHONY
Middle English symphonie, from Middle French, from Latin symphonia, from Greek symphōnia, from symphōnos concordant in sound, from syn- + phōnē voice, sound — more at ban
Related to SYMPHONY
- Synonyms
- balance, coherence, concinnity, consonance, consonancy, orchestration, proportion, symmetry, harmony, unity
- Antonyms
- asymmetry, discordance, disproportion, disunity, imbalance, incoherence, violence
SYMPHONY Defined for Kids
symphony
noun sym·pho·ny \ˈsim-fə-nē\
plural sym·pho·nies
Definition of SYMPHONY for Kids
1
: a usually long musical composition for a full orchestra
2
: a large orchestra of wind, string, and percussion instruments
3
: harmonious arrangement (as of sound or color)
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