I. (ˈ)än|sämbəl, (ˈ)äⁿ|sämbəl, (ˈ)äⁿ|säⁿbl( ə ), (ˈ)äⁿ|säⁿb(lə) sometimes (ˈ)äⁿ|säm noun
( plural ensembles -bəlz, -bl( ə ), -b(lə), -mz)
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: French, from ensemble together, from Latin insimul, from in- in- (II) + simul together — more at same
1. : a system of items that constitute an organic unity : a congruous whole: as
a. : aggregate 5
b. : concerted music of two or more parts (as a quartet)
c.
(1) : a complete costume including a basic garment (as a dress or suit) and the accessories (as gloves, shoes, ornaments, and hat) worn with it for a total harmonious effect
(2) : two or more articles of clothing designed to complement one another when worn together
a dress-and-jacket ensemble
her ensemble consisted of a smooth fawn wool suit under a darker coat lined with the suit color
d. : a group of furnishings (as for a room) designed to harmonize when used together ; sometimes : suite 3b
2. : a group of persons acting together to produce some particular effect or result: as
a. : the musicians engaged in the performance of a musical ensemble
b. : a group of supporting players, singers, or dancers ; especially : corps de ballet
3.
a. : the bringing together of items into an ensemble : unification
the company develops a sense of ensemble and the producer can cast his plays better as he comes to know his actors — Martin Feinstein
b. : distinctive quality imparted by such bringing together ; especially : the quality of a concerted musical performance as such
the quartet's members were individually excellent but the ensemble was somewhat inferior
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to bring together and coordinate (as clothing or furnishings) into a congruous whole