philharmonic orchestra

English

Noun

philharmonic orchestra (plural philharmonic orchestras)

1. (music) A large group of musicians who play together on various instruments, usually including some from strings, woodwind, brass and/or percussion; the instruments played by such a group.

Usage notes

The prefix philharmonic does not indicate any difference from a normal orchestra, but can be useful to distinguish different ensembles based in the same city (for instance, the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra).

Translations

symphony orchestra — see symphony orchestra

See also

• orchestra