English Reference
noun

orchestration

n.
US /ˌɔɹkəˈstɹeɪʃən/ UK /ˌɔːkɪstɹˈeɪʃən/ or·ches·tra·tion UK spelling orchestrations

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Technical Music

    the way music is written or arranged for the different instruments in an orchestra.

    the arrangement or composition of music for performance by an orchestra, focusing on the specific qualities of various instruments.

    Simple

    The composer's orchestration of the final scene made the music sound very powerful.

    In context

    The conductor praised the young composer's sophisticated orchestration, noting how the woodwinds balanced the heavy brass sections.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the skill or process.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal

    the careful organization of a complicated event or plan so that everything happens correctly.

    the elaborate and systematic coordination of diverse elements to achieve a specific goal or effect.

    Simple

    The successful launch of the new product required the orchestration of several different teams.

    In context

    The political campaign was a masterpiece of orchestration, aligning local volunteers with national media strategies seamlessly.

    disorganizationchaos
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    the automated way that computer systems and software are managed and made to work together.

    the automated configuration, coordination, and management of computer systems, software services, and complex workflows.

    Simple

    We use cloud orchestration to handle the high traffic on our website automatically.

    In context

    Modern DevOps relies heavily on container orchestration to ensure that microservices remain scalable and resilient under heavy loads.


From French orchestration. Equivalent to orchestrate + -ion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin French orchestration
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated