Orchestra

Quick meaning: Orchestra is a noun meaning (Ancient Greece, theater) A semicircular space in front of the stage used by the chorus in Ancient Greek and Hellenistic theatres.

Meaning

(Ancient Greece, theater) A semicircular space in front of the stage used by the chorus in Ancient Greek and Hellenistic theatres.

More Meanings

1. (music) A large group of musicians who play together on various instruments, usually including some from strings, woodwind, brass and/or percussion; the instruments played by such a group.
2. The area in a theatre or concert hall where the musicians sit, immediately in front of and below the stage, sometimes (also) used by other performers.

Example Sentences

Musicians play their instruments. I play the orchestra.

The orchestra plays music for the dancers to dance to in the 19th century-styled dance hall.

It requires quite an orchestra to get a train to start; the guard blows his horn, the stationmaster rings a large bell, and the engine whistles.

Word Forms

• orchestras
• orchestrae

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include philharmonic, symphony, sinfonietta, symphonic, music, troupe.

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