Ensemble
/ɑːnˈsɒmbəl/noun
A group of people or things viewed as a unified whole, especially performers appearing together.
Did you know?The word entered English through French theatrical and musical usage, where an ensemble specifically describes performers whose combined effect matters more than any individual.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sem-
“One; together; united”
Classical Latin
Latin
simul
“At the same time; together”
Late Latin
Latin
insimul
“Together; at once”
Old French
Old French
ensemble
“Together; at the same time”
12th–13th Century
Middle English
ensemble
“Together; in company”
18th Century
English
ensemble
“A group acting or performing together”
Modern English
English
ensemble
“A unified group or coordinated whole”