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

The set includes eight, ten and 12-inch fry pans with corresponding lids to create a symphony of delicious entrées. —Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025

Upon startup, the driver's eyes are treated to a visual symphony of Maybach logos across the car's various screens. —Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025

The discovery of numbers, the construction of machines, the algorithmic symphony of logic. —Amir Husain, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025

George's solo culminated in a symphony of squeaks before MJ Lenderman returned to the stage for a two-song encore. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 17 May 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