orchestrate

Word parts

orchestra + -ate

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈɔː(r).kə.streɪt/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈɔr.kəstˌreɪt/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form orchestrate

Third-person singular orchestrates

Past tense orchestrated

Past participle orchestrated

Present participle orchestrating

1. A musical term meaning to assign specific instruments.

   "The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" is orchestrated for celesta and bass clarinet.

   Mozart's "A Little Night Music" is orchestrated for strings only.

2. If you orchestrate something, you plan or manipulate it.

   Nancy and Rhonda orchestrated the break-up between Ron and Wanda.

   Ron and Wanda orchestrated the burglary.

Related words

• orchestra