ensemble

1 of 2

noun

en·​sem·​ble än-ˈsäm-bəl 

äⁿ-

: a group producing a single effect: such as

a

: concerted music of two or more parts

b

: a complete costume of harmonizing or complementary clothing and accessories

c(1)

: the musicians engaged in the performance of a musical ensemble

(2)

: a group of supporting players, singers, or dancers

especially : corps de ballet

ensemble

2 of 2

adjective

: emphasizing the roles of all performers as a whole rather than a star performance

ensemble acting

Examples of ensemble in a Sentence

Noun

We went to listen to a new jazz ensemble.

She wore an elegant three-piece ensemble.

The actor performed an ensemble piece.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Sonny and Cher showed up in 1973 looking fresh out of Studio 54, with Cher clad in a heavy fur and groovy, midriff-baring ensemble. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024

The official teaser trailer, released on Thursday, gives fans their first real look at the ensemble — including Corenswet in Superman’s iconic primary-colored tights. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 19 Dec. 2024

Adjective

The ensemble role was written especially for her, and the production recorded behind-the-scenes footage of her time with the cast. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024

Debuting in September, the HBO series starred Colin Farrell in the titular role, with an ensemble cast of Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Deirdre O'Connell, Carmen Ejogo, and Theo Rossi surrounding him. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from French, "unity, cohesion, group, set, musical ensemble, outfit," noun derivative of ensemble "together, at the same time," going back to Old French, "with one another," going back to Vulgar Latin *insemul, reshaping of Latin insimul "in company, together," from in- in- entry 2 + simul "together, at the same time" — more at simultaneous

Note: The form *semul may represent an older form of simul preserved in popular Latin; see note at similar.

Adjective

from attributive use of ensemble entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1750, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

circa 1911, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ensemble

noun

en·​sem·​ble

än-ˈsäm-bəl

: a group of people or things making up a complete unit: as

a

: musicians that perform music in several parts

also : the music itself

b

: a set of clothes that look nice together

Etymology

Noun

from French ensemble "group, ensemble," from ensemble (adverb) "together," from Latin insimul (same meaning), from in- "in, into" and simul "at the same time, together" — related to assemble, simultaneous