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

Western intelligence agencies believe that Russian operatives orchestrated the scheme to plant incendiary devices in parcels bound for North America, according to officials. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Shortly after returning from a weeklong trip to Africa, her team orchestrated a spur-of-the-moment venture to Nashville so Harris could show support for two Tennessee lawmakers who had been expelled for protesting for gun control. —Chris Megerian, Twin Cities, 4 Nov. 2024

In 2025, the most successful organizations will orchestrate sophisticated hybrid and multi-cloud strategies, combining public and private infrastructure across multiple providers. —Bernard Marr, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

So, in some ways, he’s orchestrated his entire career. —Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024

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