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 In the heart of Johnson County, a symphony of natural splendor and luxury living unfolds at Adams Farm Estates, a visionary residential development by Prime Development Land Company. Prime Development Land Company, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2024 Spring at the symphony Miami doesn’t typically experience all four seasons. Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 9 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for symphony 

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 17 May. 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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