symphony

noun

sym·​pho·​ny ˈsim(p)-fə-nē 

plural symphonies

1

: consonance of sounds

2

a

: ritornello sense 1

b

: sinfonia sense 1

c(1)

: a usually long and complex sonata for symphony orchestra

(2)

: a musical composition (as for organ) resembling such a symphony in complexity or variety

3

: consonance or harmony of color (as in a painting)

4

a

: symphony orchestra

b

: a symphony orchestra concert

5

: something that in its harmonious complexity or variety suggests a symphonic composition

a symphony of flavors

Synonyms

• balance
• coherence
• concinnity
• consonance
• consonancy
• harmony
• orchestration
• proportion
• symmetry
• unity

Examples of symphony in a Sentence

the satisfying symphony of color in Renoir's canvases

a performance of a Bach concerto by the San Antonio Symphony

Recent Examples on the Web

Bendix was one of the 16 members of the symphony and the chorale who had lost their homes. —Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2025

Even with the new leadership, the opera and the symphony are expected to maintain a regular performance schedule at the center. —Robin Pogrebin, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025

Chipman will present archival photos and video interviews during the event, which will cover the history of the symphony from its beginning in the 1950s as a community orchestra to its current status as an award-winning professional orchestra, according to the library’s website. —Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025

Jon Batiste was documenting his process in writing his first symphony in his documentary American Symphony when his wife was diagnosed with cancer again. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 9 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English symphonie, from Middle French, from Latin symphonia, from Greek symphōnia, from symphōnos concordant in sound, from syn- + phōnē voice, sound — more at ban entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing symphony

• symphony orchestra

Kids Definition

symphony

noun

sym·​pho·​ny ˈsim(p)-fə-nē 

plural symphonies

1

: harmonious arrangement (as of sound or color)

a symphony of sounds in the forest

2

: a usually long musical composition for a full orchestra

3

: symphony orchestra

Etymology

Middle English symphonie "pleasing arrangement of sounds," from early French symphonie (same meaning), derived from Greek syn- "together" and phōnē "voice, sound" — related to euphony, phonetic