English pronunciation · Words Starting with O
Orchestra Pronunciation
Orchestra is pronounced AWR-kuh-struh, IPA /ˈɔrkəstrə/.
AWR-kuh-struh
US /ˈɔrkəstrə/ · UK /ˈɔːkɛstrə/
Syllables: AWR · kuh · struh (3 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
noun: A large group of musicians playing strings, wind, brass, and percussion together.
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Orchestra in a Sentence
- The orchestra tuned up while the hall filled.
- She joined the orchestra as a second violin.
- A small orchestra played on the terrace all evening.
Common Mispronunciations of Orchestra
Not or-KES-truh
The front syllable takes the beat, which is why the middle vowel collapses to a quick uh. The second-syllable version belongs to orchestral, a different word.
Not OR-chess-truh
That ch is a k, inherited from Greek. Orchid, chorus, and scheme carry the same k.
Tip: Three beats, loudest first: AWR-kuh-struh. Then move the beat for orchestral, which is or-KES-truhl.
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