Meaning and Origin
What does the name Symphony mean? Keep reading to find the user submitted meanings, dictionary definitions, and more.
Origin and Meaning of Symphony
User Submitted Origins
American
67%
English
33%
User Submitted Meanings
- A user from Nigeria says the name Symphony means "Harmony,music".
- According to a user from Illinois, U.S., the name Symphony is of American origin and means "Orchestra".
International Interest
Also see international interest
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
noun Sym"pho*ny
Senses
- A consonance or harmony of sounds, agreeable to the ear, whether the sounds are vocal or instrumental, or both."The trumpets sound, And warlike symphony in heard around." [Dryden.]
- A stringed instrument formerly in use, somewhat resembling the virginal."With harp and pipe and symphony." [Chaucer.]
- [Mus]
- An elaborate instrumental composition for a full orchestra, consisting usually, like the sonata, of three or four contrasted yet inwardly related movements, as the allegro, the adagio, the minuet and trio, or scherzo, and the finale in quick time. The term has recently been applied to large orchestral works in freer form, with arguments or programmes to explain their meaning, such as the “symphonic poems” of Liszt. The term was formerly applied to any composition for an orchestra, as overtures, etc., and still earlier, to certain compositions partly vocal, partly instrumental.
- An instrumental passage at the beginning or end, or in the course of, a vocal composition; a prelude, interlude, or postude; a ritornello.
- An elaborate instrumental composition for a full orchestra, consisting usually, like the sonata, of three or four contrasted yet inwardly related movements, as the allegro, the adagio, the minuet and trio, or scherzo, and the finale in quick time. The term has recently been applied to large orchestral works in freer form, with arguments or programmes to explain their meaning, such as the “symphonic poems” of Liszt. The term was formerly applied to any composition for an orchestra, as overtures, etc., and still earlier, to certain compositions partly vocal, partly instrumental.
Etymology: F. symphoniecf. It. sinfonia), L. symphonia, Gr. �; sy`n with + � a sound, the voice. See Phonetic
Other Dictionary Sources
- A long and complex sonata for symphony orchestra
- A large orchestra; can perform symphonies ("we heard the Vienna symphony")
Wiktionary
From Old French simphonie, from Latin symphonia, from Ancient Greek συμφωνία (sumphōnía). Synchronically, syn- + -phony.
- An extended piece of music of sophisticated structure, usually for orchestra.
- (music) An instrumental introduction or termination to a vocal composition.
- Harmony in music or colour, or a harmonious combination of elements.
- (US, informal) A symphony orchestra.