/ahn sahm"beuhl, -sahmb"/ ; Fr. /ahonn sahonn"bleu/ , n. , pl. ensembles /-sahm"beuhlz, -sahmbz"/ ; Fr. /-sahonn"bleu/ .
1. all the parts of a thing taken together, so that each part is considered only in relation to the whole.
2. the entire costume of an individual, esp. when all the parts are in harmony: She was wearing a beautiful ensemble by one of the French designers.
3. a set of furniture.
4. Music.
a. the united performance of an entire group of singers, musicians, etc.
b. the group so performing: a string ensemble.
5. a group of supporting entertainers, as actors, dancers, and singers, in a theatrical production.
[ 1740-50; insimul, equiv. to in- IN- 2 + simul together; see SIMULTANEOUS ]
Syn. 1. totality, entirety, aggregate.