orchestrate

1 of 2

verb

or·​ches·​trate ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrāt 

orchestrated; orchestrating

transitive verb

1

a

: to compose or arrange (music) for an orchestra

The composer orchestrated the music for the symphony orchestra.

b

: to provide with orchestration

orchestrate a ballet

2

: to arrange or combine so as to achieve a desired or maximum effect

orchestrated preparations for the banquet

a carefully orchestrated stunt

orchestrator

ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrā-tər 

noun

or less commonly orchestrater

orchestrator

2 of 2

noun

or·​ches·​tra·​tor

variants or less commonly orchestrater

ˈ⸗⸗ˌstrātə(r) 

-ātə-

plural -s

: a person that arranges music for orchestral use or provides with orchestration

Examples of orchestrate in a Sentence

Verb

He recently orchestrated a musical.

She orchestrated the entire event.

It's still unclear who was responsible for orchestrating the attack.

A strike was orchestrated by union members.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Christy orchestrates the elaborate stagecraft that sells the illusion of a bustling organization. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Much of that sum—$250 million—comes from his contract with the Saudi Pro League’s Al Nassr, which is believed to be subsidized by commercial agreements orchestrated by the club. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Dak Prescott then orchestrated an 11-play, 74-yard drive that included a fourth down conversion and capped it with the throw to Lamb to give the Cowboys the victory. — Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026

Simmons orchestrated a touchdown drive of almost two and a half minutes. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for orchestrate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

orchestrate

verb

or·​ches·​trate ˈȯr-kə-ˌstrāt 

orchestrated; orchestrating

1

: to write or arrange music for an orchestra

2

: to arrange or combine so as to get the best effect

orchestration

ˌȯr-kə-ˈstrā-shən

noun