French word

orchestre

Pronunciation

IPA/ɔʁkɛstʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounorchestra

Example

L'orchestre joue bien ce soir.

The orchestra plays well tonight.

Illustration for orchestre (orchestra)

More examples

L'orchestre de chambre répète demain.

The chamber orchestra rehearses tomorrow.

Core concept

A coordinated group of instrumentalists, with string, wind, and percussion sections following one conductor.

Common phrases

  • orchestre de chambre

    chamber orchestra

  • orchestre symphonique

    symphony orchestra

Similar words

ensemble: A small musical group made up of several performers.
groupe: A pop, rock, or similar band formed by several musicians.
chœur: A group of singers joining their voices in choral performance.
fanfare: A band centered on brass instruments for outdoor or marching performances.

Definition in French

Ensemble de musiciens réunis pour interpréter des œuvres écrites pour plusieurs familles d'instruments, placé sous la direction d'un chef.

Word origin

French orchestre came through Italian orchestra from Latin orchestra, borrowed from Greek orkhestra, the performance space for dancing and choral performance.

Usage tips

  • Orchestre is masculine despite ending in -e, so the forms are un orchestre and l'orchestre.

Other meanings

  • bandnoun

Related words

  • orchestralorchestraladjective
  • orchestrationorchestrationnoun

Word lists with this word