orchestral

adjective

or·​ches·​tral ȯr-ˈke-strəl How to pronounce orchestral (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or composed for an orchestra
2
: suggestive of an orchestra or its musical qualities
orchestrally adverb

Examples of orchestral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To a soundtrack of orchestral chants or sea shanties, fanciful motifs flow from his old-school dip pen, conjuring scenes that hover between architectural ruins, theater sets, and sylvan dreamscapes. Mel Studach, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2025 Classics 4 Kids: This San Diego children’s concert organization received $10,000 to support an orchestral concert series for children, with associated outreach activities. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025 Harding, 49, an Air France pilot, also happens to be one of the world’s top orchestral conductors. Benjamin Malapris, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 The event showcased Ross’ legendary catalog, reimagined with orchestral arrangements, providing a once-in-a-lifetime event for all who were fortunate enough to witness. Okla Jones, Essence, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for orchestral 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1779, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of orchestral was circa 1779

Dictionary Entries Near orchestral

Cite this Entry

“Orchestral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchestral. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

orchestral

adjective
or·​ches·​tral ȯr-ˈkes-trəl How to pronounce orchestral (audio)
: of, relating to, or written for an orchestra

More from Merriam-Webster on orchestral

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!