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adjective Uncommon

philharmonic

fihl-hah-MO-nihk

Philharmonic (adjective) means Devoted to or appreciative of music, especially orchestral music (used mainly in orchestra names). Example: “The philharmonic society raises funds to support young musicians.”

adjective
1
Devoted to or appreciative of music, especially orchestral music (used mainly in orchestra names).
"The philharmonic society raises funds to support young musicians."
noun
1
A full symphony orchestra, especially one named as such.
"We saw the New York Philharmonic perform Beethoven's Ninth."

How to use philharmonic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsually seen as part of an orchestra's name, meaning a full symphony orchestra devoted to classical music.

Common pairings
the philharmonic orchestra attend the philharmonic

Word forms

philharmonics plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ society raises funds to support young musicians.

Etymology

From French philharmonique, from Italian filarmonico, literally combining "phil-" (loving) with "harmonic."

Origin: French

symphony symphony orchestra

Related words

Rhymes for philharmonic

See all rhymes for philharmonic →

Frequently asked questions

What does “philharmonic” mean?

The word “philharmonic” means devoted to or appreciative of music, especially orchestral music (used mainly in orchestra names). In plain terms, usually seen as part of an orchestra's name, meaning a full symphony orchestra devoted to classical music.

How do you pronounce “philharmonic”?

“Philharmonic” is pronounced fihl-hah-MO-nihk (/ˌfɪlərˈmɑnɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “philharmonic” in a sentence?

Here is “philharmonic” used in a sentence: “The philharmonic society raises funds to support young musicians.”

What part of speech is “philharmonic”?

Depending on how it is used, “philharmonic” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “philharmonic” come from?

The word “philharmonic” comes from French. From French philharmonique, from Italian filarmonico, literally combining "phil-" (loving) with "harmonic.".

Is “philharmonic” a common word?

“Philharmonic” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “philharmonic” have?

“Philharmonic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: devoted to or appreciative of music, especially orchestral music (used mainly in orchestra names).

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial