orchestrate

[ awr-kuh-streyt ]

verb (used with or without object)

orchestrated, orchestrating.

1. to compose or arrange (music) for performance by an orchestra.
2. to arrange or manipulate, especially by means of clever or thorough planning or maneuvering:

   to orchestrate a profitable trade agreement.

orchestrate

/ ˈɔːkɪˌstreɪt /

verb

1. to score or arrange (a piece of music) for orchestra
2. to arrange, organize, or build up for special or maximum effect

Derived Forms

• ˈorchesˌtrator, noun
• ˌorchesˈtration, noun

Other Word Forms

• or·ches·tra·tion [awr-k, uh, -, strey, -sh, uh, n] noun
• or·ches·tra·tor or·ches·trat·er noun
• o·ver·or·ches·trate verb overorchestrated overorchestrating
• re·or·ches·trate verb reorchestrated reorchestrating
• un·or·ches·trat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of orchestrate¹

First recorded in 1875–80; from French orchestr(er) (derivative of orchestre orchestra ) + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Now, after two and a half months of court testimony, a jury must decide whether the dead man’s wife, Monica Sementilli, orchestrated his murder, or was duped by her jealous lover.

From Los Angeles Times

His organisation wants the government to impose drastic mandatory reductions in rent on owners and is threatening to orchestrate a nationwide strike by tenants that would see participants refuse to pay their rent.

From BBC

Other unreleased albums include the country-leaning Somewhere North of Nashville, cut in May 1995; and Twilight Hours, an orchestrated pop album that was written and recorded in the same period as 2018's Western Stars.

From BBC

He was recorded in an undercover video posted on social media last week saying State Farm General “kind of” orchestrated its rate hikes.

From Los Angeles Times

Early contours of the Disney-Fox transaction — orchestrated by Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger and Murdoch — had envisioned the Century City compound as one of the assets included in the sale to Disney.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrange
• coordinate
• manage
• set up