orchestra

Word family

Related topics: Music

1 [countableC]APM a large group of musicians playing many different kinds of instruments and led by a conductor 〔大型的〕管弦乐队

the Berlin Symphony Orchestra

柏林交响乐团

the school orchestra

校管弦乐队

2. orchestra section/seats American EnglishAmE the area of seats in a theatre close to and on the same level as the stage 〔剧院的〕正厅前排座位 →5 see picture at 见图 theatre

n GRAMMAR: Singular or plural verb?

Orchestra is usually followed by a singular verb:

The orchestra was rehearsing for a concert.

In British English, you can also use a plural verb:

The orchestra were rehearsing for a concert.

n THESAURUS

parts of an orchestra

the wind/woodwind section the instruments such as flutes, clarinets, and saxophones

the strings/the string section the instruments that have strings, for example violins

the brass/the brass section the instruments made of metal that you blow through, for example trumpets

the percussion/the percussion section the instruments such as drums and tambourines

Examples from the Corpus

orchestra• When choosing an editor, chose an orchestra leader-an expert to help you create harmony from content and style.• A constant clash and tinkle came from the kitchens across the courtyard, like the percussion section of an orchestra from hell.• It is true that there are two solo players and equally true that Mackey matches them to a 15-member chamber orchestra.• The story lacks tension and, when the full orchestra is blasting, is hard to follow.• As at Side, though, the horseshoe orchestra form has been preserved.• I must say, the orchestra on this occasion was marvellous.• Take the orchestra out of the pit, and unless you emasculate their contribution, the problem is compounded.

Origin orchestra

(1600-1700) Latin Greek, from orcheisthai “to dance”

LDOCE Online

Chinese

Syllable

Corpus