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

Mix in a hauntingly beautiful world, a chaotic symphony of physics combos, and base customization - that's Cloudheim. —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025

The dress, a symphony of pastel yellows and blues, featured an assemblage of French impressionist Degas’ infamous ballerinas. —Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 2 Feb. 2025

That building process will be amply showcased during the symphony’s 2025-26 Jacobs Masterworks season, which will include 57 concerts between early October and late May of next year. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025

By revisiting the pivotal period in history, the symphony’s initiative creates a bridge between past traumas and present realities. —Sean Erwin, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 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