What does "ensemble" mean?
A group of separate things that contribute to a coordinated whole.; A coordinated set of clothing: a set of garments selected to accompany one another.
Ensemble
/ˌɑnˈsɑm.bəl/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A group of separate things that contribute to a coordinated whole.; A coordinated set of clothing: a set of garments selected to accompany one another.
- Grammar: ensemble is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: a cappella, acting company, admixture, agglomeration.
- Useful contrasts: leading role, single performer, solo recital.
- Usage evidence: No ensemble can convey a composer's intent more forcefully than an orchestra.
How to use "ensemble"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "ensemble" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "ensemble" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "ensemble" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "ensemble" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "ensemble" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "a cappella" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "ensemble", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A group of separate things that contribute to a coordinated whole.; A coordinated set of clothing: a set of garments selected to accompany one another.
"Near-synonyms: suit, costume, getup"
- 2 a coordinated outfit (set of clothing) wordnet
- 3 A group of separate things that contribute to a coordinated whole.; A group of musicians, dancers, actors, etc who perform together; e.g. the chorus of a ballet company. collective
"On paper, Continental Drift boasts a jaw-dropping voice cast, including but not limited to Jennifer Lopez, Patrick Stewart, Wanda Sykes, Aziz Ansari, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Alan Tudyk. But in practice, the overstuffed ensemble leaves the cast no room to distinguish themselves, and directors Steve Martino and Michael Thurmeier don’t seem interested in coaxing performances that might render their money stars less identifiable."
- 4 an assemblage of parts or details (as in a work of art) considered as forming a whole wordnet
- 5 A piece for several instrumentalists or vocalists.
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 a group of musicians playing or singing together wordnet
- 7 A probability distribution for the state of the system.
- 8 the chorus of a ballet company wordnet
- 9 A supervised learning algorithm combining multiple hypotheses.
- 10 a cast other than the principals wordnet
Verb
- 1 To put together in a coordinated whole.
"Landscape gardening or landscape architecture is the art that seeks the production of the most beautiful landscape effects, ensembling the various objects of interest into a grand whole and harmonious unit."
- 2 To perform in a musical ensemble.
- 3 To employ a supervised learning algorithm combining multiple hypotheses.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
leading rolesingle performersolo recitalone performer piece
Example
"No ensemble can convey a composer's intent more forcefully than an orchestra."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "ensemble"?
Common synonyms include: a cappella, acting company, admixture, agglomeration, aggregate, all at once.
How do you use "ensemble" in a sentence?
No ensemble can convey a composer's intent more forcefully than an orchestra.
How do you pronounce "ensemble"?
Pronounced /ˌɑnˈsɑm.bəl/.
Etymology
Borrowed from French ensemble.