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

Residents can enjoy one of the city’s art galleries or take in a live performance from the symphony or even Wyoming’s first opera company. —Katie Seemann, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2024

Massive winter waves exploded against rocks, sea lions barked and squawking gulls joined the symphony. —Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024

Her music is a reflection of her journey, a symphony of personal growth, and the collective wisdom of her many influences. —Walaa Elsiddig, Billboard, 21 Nov. 2024

Like a symphony plays the same melody differently for a variety of emotions, Ree worked with editor Robert Stengård to show what Steen’s life meant to different people through formats and perspectives that fit each group. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 20 Nov. 2024

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