symphony

noun

sym·​pho·​ny ˈsim(p)-fə-nē How to pronounce symphony (audio)
plural symphonies
Synonyms of symphonynext
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 of symphony

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pan recalled attending a symphony in elementary school, while Kiley expressed his adoration for the Folsom Lake Symphony. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Somewhere in the heavens, these beloved instruments have formed a glorious orchestra—a cosmic symphony where every lost voice is restored. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026 Somewhere in the heavens, these beloved instruments have formed a glorious orchestra — a cosmic symphony where every lost voice is restored. — Billboard Staff, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026 The group listens intently as a symphony of airplanes, freeway traffic and the ploop! — Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for symphony

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

Phrases Containing symphony

Browse Nearby Words

symphonize
symphony
symphony band
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Cite this Entry

“Symphony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symphony. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on symphony

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about symphony

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