n.1 a usu. large group of instrumentalists, esp. combining strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion (symphony orchestra).
2 a (in full orchestra pit) the part of a theatre, opera house, etc., where the orchestra plays, usu. in front of the stage and on a lower level. b US the stalls in a theatre.
3 the semicircular space in front of an ancient Greek theatre-stage where the chorus danced and sang.
Phrases and idioms:
orchestra stalls the front of the stalls.
Derivatives:
orchestral adj. orchestrally adv.
Etymology: L f. Gk orkhestra f. orkheomai to dance (see sense 3)