orchestra
orchestra Lexical Profile
orchestra Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large group of instrumental musicians playing together, typically including string, woodwind, brass, and percussion sections.
"The symphony orchestra performed a breathtaking rendition of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony to a sold-out crowd."
The space situated in front of and usually below the stage in a theater where musicians play during a performance.
"The conductor took his position in the orchestra just as the lights began to dim."
American The main ground-floor seating area of a theater or auditorium.
"We were fortunate enough to secure excellent seats right in the center of the orchestra."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Latin 'orchestra', borrowed from Greek 'orkhēstra', denoting the semicircular space in front of the stage in an ancient Greek theater where the chorus danced, derived from 'orkheisthai' meaning 'to dance'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.