- (n.) An instrumental passage at the beginning or end or in the course of, a vocal composition; a prelude, interlude or postude; a ritornello.
- (n.) A stringed instrument formerly in use, somewhat resembling the virginal.
- (n.) 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.
- (n.) A consonance or harmony of sounds, agreeable to the ear, whether the sounds are vocal or instrumental or both.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
| APA | Webster's. (2011). symphony. Retrieved September 21, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/symphony/definitions/2069662 |
| Chicago | Webster's. 2011. "symphony" http://smartdefine.org/symphony/definitions/2069662 (accessed September 21, 2026). |
| Harvard | Webster's 2011, symphony, Smart Define, viewed 21 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/symphony/definitions/2069662>. |
| MLA | Webster's. "symphony" 28 May 2011. Web. 21 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/symphony/definitions/2069662> |