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

Navalny was a thorn in Putin’s side, exposing corruption in high places and orchestrating some of the biggest anti-government protests seen in recent years. —Anna Cooban, CNN, 16 Feb. 2025

But Glass left it to ensembles to orchestrate their own versions. —Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2025

The three-time league MVP is orchestrating the best statistical season of his career, averaging a triple-double to keep Denver in contention. —Esteban L. Hernandez, Axios, 13 Feb. 2025

The top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee has accused Kash Patel, Trump’s pick for FBI director, of secretly orchestrating the firings of FBI officials. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 12 Feb. 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