orchestrate

verb

or·​ches·​trate ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrāt How to pronounce orchestrate (audio)
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 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
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.
Megan’s lawyers have accused Lanez of orchestrating harassment campaigns against her even from behind bars. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 10 Jan. 2025 Russia's Foreign Ministry, however, has been more explicit in promoting a long-running Russian conspiracy theory: that the U.S. had orchestrated the whole thing at Europe and Russia's expense. Charles Maynes, NPR, 9 Jan. 2025 Holmes orchestrated the 2012 Aurora theater shooting during a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises, killing 12 people and injuring 70 others. Lars Daniel, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 The incident raises concerns that the Chinese government may have secretly orchestrated the sabotage. Michael Kan, PCMAG, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for orchestrate 

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of orchestrate was in 1858

Dictionary Entries Near orchestrate

Cite this Entry

“Orchestrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orchestrate. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

orchestrate

verb
or·​ches·​trate ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrāt How to pronounce orchestrate (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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