Ensemble

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˌɒ̃nˈsɒ̃mblÌ©/
• UK IPA: /ˌɒnˈsÉ’m.bÉ™l/

Origin

From French ensemble.

Noun

1. a group of separate things that contribute to a coordinated whole
2. a coordinated costume or outfit; a suit
3. (a group of musicians, dancers etc who perform together; the chorus of a ballet company)a group of musicians, dancers, actors, etc who perform together; e.g. the chorus of a ballet company
• 12 July 2012, Sam Adams, AV Club Ice Age: Continental DriftOn paper, Continental Drift boasts a jaw-dropping voice cast, including but not limited to Jennifer Lopez, Patrick Stewart, Wanda Sykes, Aziz Ansari, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Alan Tudyk. But in practice, the overstuffed ensemble leaves the cast no room to distinguish themselves, and directors Steve Martino and Michael Thurmeier don’t seem interested in coaxing performances that might render their money stars less identifiable.
4. (music) a piece for several instrumentalists or vocalists

Derived terms

• ensemblist
• subensemble