symphony

noun

sym·​pho·​ny ˈsim(p)-fə-nē How to pronounce symphony (audio)
plural symphonies
1
: consonance of sounds
2
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
b
: a symphony orchestra concert
5
: something that in its harmonious complexity or variety suggests a symphonic composition
a symphony of flavors

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 Air travel is an impressive daily symphony of logistics, engineering, and physics. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2024 The symphony hasn't decided Moonlite Gardens' fate. Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 9 Mar. 2024 In my ears, the symphony’s teeth only got sharper as the week wore on and the orchestra forged ahead — though the Philharmonie space did lend particular sparkle and peculiar shine to its timbral variety show. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 After all, the flat-six’s symphony should take priority here. Akin to Apple products under Steve Jobs, where internal componentry never seen by consumers was treated with exhaustive attention, Singer’s white-glove approach is intended to redefine 911 restorations. Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 21 Feb. 2024 Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, in the season finale (June 20–21, 2025) Popular works Film Series Audiences can watch the movie while the symphony performs the soundtrack live. The Indianapolis Star, 20 Feb. 2024 Here are four pillars that can elevate your startup above the rest: User Experience: Picture it as a grand orchestra, with every interaction playing a note in a larger, heart-touching symphony. Ranghan Venkatraman, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 After an intermission, experience Bruckner's 3-movement, unfinished symphony Symphony No. 9 in D minor. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 13 Mar. 2024 And The Maybourne, a sister bar to the iconic Connaught Bar in London, brings a chicer, upscale vibe with a symphony of expertly orchestrated cocktails. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'symphony.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of symphony was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near symphony

Cite this Entry

“Symphony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symphony. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

symphony

noun
sym·​pho·​ny ˈsim(p)-fə-nē How to pronounce symphony (audio)
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
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

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