symphony

From Middle English symphonye, from Old French simphonie, from Latin symphonia, from Ancient Greek συμφωνία (sumphōnía). By surface analysis, sym- +‎ -phony. Doublet of sinfonia, symphonia, tsampouna, and zampogna.

• IPA^(key): /ˈsɪm.fə.ni/, [ˈsɪɱ.fə.ni]

• Audio (Southern England):

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symphony (countable and uncountable, plural symphonies)

1. An extended piece of music of sophisticated structure, usually for orchestra.

   classical symphony

   compose a symphony

   full symphony orchestra

   The orchestra performed Beethoven’s Fifth symphony.

2. (music) An instrumental introduction or termination to a vocal composition.
3. Harmony in music or colour, or a harmonious combination of elements.

   She described the city at night as a symphony of lights and sounds.

4. (US, informal) A symphony orchestra.

• hyponyms, physnomy