orchestra Definition

orchestra
noun orchestras

1. A large group of instrumentalists who play together as an ensemble, led by a conductor, usually comprising four main sections, ie strings, woodwind, brass and percussion.

Thesaurus: symphony, musical ensemble, band.
2. loosely
A small instrumental group, eg a group of musicians playing in a restaurant.
3. The part of a theatre or opera house where the musicians sit, usually immediately in front of, or under the front part of, the stage.

Form: orchestra pit (also)
4. The front stalls in a theatre.

Form: orchestral stalls (also)
5. In the ancient Greek theatre: a semicircular area in front of the stage where the chorus danced.
6. In the ancient Roman theatre: the area in front of the stage where the senators and other important people sat.

Derivative: orchestral
adj

Relating to, played by or written for an orchestra
Thesaurus: symphonic, instrumental, operatic, vocal, philharmonic, musical.

Derivative: orchestralist
noun

Derivative: orchestrally
adverb

Etymology: 16c: Greek, from orcheisthai to dance.