sinfonia

noun

sin·​fo·​nia ˌsin-fə-ˈnē-ə How to pronounce sinfonia (audio)
plural sinfonie ˌsin-fə-ˈnē-ˌā How to pronounce sinfonia (audio)
1
: an orchestral prelude to a vocal work (such as an opera) especially in the 18th century : overture
2

Examples of sinfonia 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.
If Kirill had any illusions about who stood higher in the new sinfonia between Church and state, they were quickly snuffed out. Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2024 An instrumental sinfonia by Giovanni Ferrandini, for example — diminutive in size but rich in brilliant string writing — was a perfect introduction to Ensemble Artaserse’s ability to dart and move, changing direction, articulation and tempo on a dime and in perfect unison. Luke Schulze, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2022 Not Wagner but Mozart will accompany the Bruckner at Carnegie Hall, in the form of six piano concertos and two sinfonias concertante. David Allen, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin symphonia symphony

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sinfonia was in 1773

Dictionary Entries Near sinfonia

Cite this Entry

“Sinfonia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sinfonia. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on sinfonia

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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