ensemble

ensemble — noun

1. Several musicians who regularly perform together as a coordinated team, playing

1.nounB2
Definition

Several musicians who regularly perform together as a coordinated team, playing instruments or singing.

Example

Eri plays the violin in a chamber ensemble that practises every Tuesday evening.

collocation: chamber ensemble / string ensemble

The jazz ensemble at the school festival included a pianist, a bassist, and a drummer.

Common collocations
  • chamber ensemble
  • string ensemble
  • jazz ensemble
  • vocal ensemble
  • ensemble piece
  • ensemble playing
Synonyms
  • band

    less formal; usually pop, rock, or jazz rather than classical

  • orchestra

    larger group that includes string, wind, and percussion sections

  • group

    more general; does not imply regular performance together

  • choir

    specifically a singing group, not instrumental

Grammar Patterns

ensemble + of + [plural noun phrase]

followed by singular/plural verb

Usage Note

Often used with a modifier specifying the type of group: 'chamber ensemble', 'jazz ensemble', 'string ensemble', 'vocal ensemble'. The word is more formal than 'band' and usually implies a smaller group than 'orchestra'.

Common Mistakes

I joined a music ensemble at school.
I joined a music group at school.
'music ensemble' is redundant because ensemble already implies music. Use 'musical ensemble' or name the type (e.g. 'jazz ensemble').

2. A cast of actors appearing in a theatrical production or on screen, with no sing

2.nounB2
Definition

A cast of actors appearing in a theatrical production or on screen, with no single member dominating the performance.

Example

The film's ensemble brought together actors from five different countries.

Tariro prefers working in an ensemble cast rather than playing the lead role.

collocation: ensemble cast

Common collocations
  • ensemble cast
  • ensemble piece
  • ensemble acting
  • ensemble of characters
  • theatre ensemble
Synonyms
  • cast

    broader term; includes all performers, not necessarily with equal importance

  • troupe

    usually a travelling theatre group; more old-fashioned

  • company

    refers to a permanent theatre group rather than the cast of one production

Grammar Patterns

ensemble + of + [plural noun phrase]

Usage Note

When referring to a film or show, 'ensemble cast' is the most common collocation. Contrast with a star vehicle, where one actor dominates screen time.

Common Mistakes

The movie had a good ensemble of actors.
The movie had a strong ensemble cast.
'ensemble cast' is the standard collocation for a group of actors in a production.

3. Separate items or individuals viewed together as a unified whole, often because

3.nounC1
Definition

Separate items or individuals viewed together as a unified whole, often because they work well together.

Example

The museum's new exhibition is an ensemble of sculptures from different parts of West Africa.

collocation: ensemble of [things]

The buildings on this street form a harmonious architectural ensemble.

architectural ensemble

Common collocations
  • ensemble of
  • architectural ensemble
  • form an ensemble
  • create an ensemble
Synonyms
  • collection

    more general; does not imply that items form a harmonious whole

  • set

    simpler and more common; neutral in tone

  • combination

    focuses on how items work or fit together

  • assemblage

    more formal and less common; used especially in art

Grammar Patterns

ensemble + of + [plural noun phrase]

Usage Note

This is the most abstract sense of 'ensemble'. It is often used in formal or artistic contexts. The things or people grouped together are usually seen as forming a pleasing or effective whole.

4. A set of clothing items that are designed or chosen to be worn together as a com

4.nounB2
Definition

A set of clothing items that are designed or chosen to be worn together as a complete and coordinated look.

Example

Heloísa wore a stylish ensemble of a cream jacket and matching dark trousers.

collocation: wear an ensemble

The tailor designed a matching ensemble for the bride and her bridesmaids.

Common collocations
  • wear an ensemble
  • evening ensemble
  • matching ensemble
  • casual ensemble
  • bridal ensemble
Synonyms
  • outfit

    more general and common in everyday speech; less emphasis on coordination

  • look

    informal; refers to the overall style rather than the specific items

  • costume

    worn for a special occasion, performance, or disguise; not everyday wear

Usage Note

In fashion contexts, 'ensemble' suggests a carefully planned and coordinated set of clothes — often including accessories — whereas 'outfit' is a more general term for any combination of clothes worn together.

Common Mistakes

I need to buy a new ensemble for the interview.
I need to buy a new outfit for the interview.
'ensemble' sounds too formal and fashion-industry-specific for everyday speech; 'outfit' is more natural.

ensemble — adjective

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe musicians performing together, but they differ in size, musical style, and formality. 'Band' is the most casual term, used for rock, pop, or jazz groups of any size — you can say 'a three-piece band' or 'a marching band'. 'Orchestra' refers specifically to a large ensemble with string, woodwind, brass, and percussion sections, typically performing classical music in formal settings. 'Choir' is restricted to vocal groups — singers performing together without instruments or with minimal accompaniment. 'Group' is the most neutral and general term, covering any number of musicians regardless of genre or formality, but it lacks the sense of regular, organised performance that 'ensemble' carries. For example: 'The school band played pop songs at the sports day,' but 'The string ensemble performed a Mozart quartet at the concert hall.'

band ↗orchestra ↗group ↗choir ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • as an ensemble
  • work as an ensemble
  • part of an ensemble

Prepositions

  • in [an] ensemble
  • ensemble of

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From French, meaning 'together'. The French word comes from Latin 'insimul', a combination of 'in-' (in) and 'simul' (at the same time, together). It entered English in the 15th century to describe things done together, and by the 1700s it was being used for musical groups performing as a unit. The fashion meaning (a coordinated set of clothes) developed in the 1900s.