a long and complex sonata for symphony orchestra
"The concert hall fell silent as the conductor led the final movement of Beethoven's epic symphony, showcasing its intricate structure and powerful orchestration."
a large orchestra; can perform symphonies
"we heard the Vienna symphony"
An extended piece of music of sophisticated structure, usually for orchestra.
"The audience sat in hushed silence to appreciate the grandeur of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony."
In plain English: A symphony is a long piece of classical music played by an orchestra with many different instruments working together.
"We listened to a beautiful symphony at the city concert hall last night."
Usage: A symphony refers to a large-scale orchestral work typically divided into multiple movements rather than referring to the act of playing together or general harmony. Use this term specifically for formal concert pieces by composers like Beethoven or Mozart instead of casual musical gatherings.
From Middle English symphonye, from Old French simphonie, from Latin symphonia, from Ancient Greek συμφωνία (sumphōnía). By surface analysis, sym- + -phony. Doublet of sinfonia, symphonia, tsampouna, and zampogna.