noun / adjective
philharmonic
A large orchestra that performs classical music.
The philharmonic performs Beethoven's Fifth Symphony at the concert hall.
Etymology
Philharmonic means music-loving. The adjective was used for musical societies and their orchestras, then became a noun for the orchestra itself.
More examples
- Our local philharmonic rehearses every week.
- She plays violin in the city's philharmonic orchestra.
- Several philharmonics include this symphony in their season programs.
Forms
philharmonic · philharmonics
Similar words
- symphony orchestra
- Names the same kind of large classical ensemble.
- orchestra
- Broader term that also includes smaller or nonclassical ensembles.