orchestrate

verb

or·​ches·​trate ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrāt 

orchestrated; orchestrating

transitive verb

1

a

: to compose or arrange (music) for an orchestra

The composer orchestrated the music for the symphony orchestra.

b

: to provide with orchestration

orchestrate a ballet

2

: to arrange or combine so as to achieve a desired or maximum effect

orchestrated preparations for the banquet

a carefully orchestrated stunt

orchestrator

ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrā-tər 

noun

or less commonly orchestrater

Examples of orchestrate in a Sentence

He recently orchestrated a musical.

She orchestrated the entire event.

It's still unclear who was responsible for orchestrating the attack.

A strike was orchestrated by union members.

Recent Examples on the Web

But if Saudi-Israel normalization is on the table, and if the Arab League can orchestrate a Gaza solution, the Gulf states—including the UAE and Bahrain—may privately support a limited Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear program. —David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025

Many artists have catchy songs or great voices, but how many can orchestrate? —A.d. Amorosi, Variety, 31 Jan. 2025

Combs is accused of orchestrating the conspiracy in the case — filed in the Southern District of New York in September— alleging that the 55-year-old fallen hip-hop icon kidnapped, drugged and at times trafficked them across state lines. —Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2025

Unsuk Chin’s subito con forza (Suddenly with force), Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition (orchestrated by Ravel), featuring conductor Kahchun Wong and violinist Randall Goosby. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

orchestrate

verb

or·​ches·​trate ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrāt 

orchestrated; orchestrating

1

: to write or arrange music for an orchestra

2

: to arrange or combine so as to get the best effect

orchestration

ˌȯr-kə-ˈstrā-shən

noun