ensemble
[ ahn-sahm-buhl, -sahmb; French ahn-sahn-bluh ]
/ ɑnˈsɑm bəl, -ˈsɑmb; French ɑ̃ˈsɑ̃ blə /
noun, plural en·sem·bles [ahn-sahm-sahm-buhlz, -sahmbz; French ahn-sahn-bluh] /ɑnˈsɑmˈsɑm bəlz, -ˈsɑmbz; French ɑ̃ˈsɑ̃ blə/.
all the parts of a thing taken together, so that each part is considered only in relation to the whole.
the entire costume of an individual, especially when all the parts are in harmony: She was wearing a beautiful ensemble by one of the French designers.
a set of furniture.
Music.
- the united performance of an entire group of singers, musicians, etc.
- the group so performing: a string ensemble.
a group of supporting entertainers, as actors, dancers, and singers, in a theatrical production.
Origin of ensemble
1740–50; < French: together < Latin
insimul, equivalent to
in-
in-2 +
simul together; see
simultaneous
Words nearby ensemble
Example sentences from the Web for ensembles
British Dictionary definitions for ensembles
ensemble
/ (ɒnˈsɒmbəl, French ɑ̃sɑ̃blə) /
noun
adverb
all together or at once
adjective
(of a film or play) involving several separate but often interrelated story lines
ensemble comedy drama
involving no individual star but several actors whose roles are of equal importance
fine ensemble playing
Word Origin for ensemble
C15: from French: together, from Latin
insimul, from
in- ² +
simul at the same time