Definition

Noun: 1. The collection of works that a performer, company, or artist is prepared to present: This refers to the specific plays, songs, operas, or other pieces that a performer or group has learned and is ready to perform, often presented in rotation. 2. The entire stock or range of skills, techniques, or devices available in a particular field or to a particular person: This broader meaning refers to the full set of abilities, methods, or resources someone or something possesses.

Examples of Usage

• Referring to a collection of artistic works:

  • The orchestra's repertoire includes symphonies from the Classical and Romantic periods.
  • She added several contemporary pieces to her solo piano repertoire.
  • The theater company performs a different play from its repertoire each night of the week.

• Referring to a range of skills or resources:

  • A good teacher has a wide repertoire of instructional methods.
  • The chef's repertoire of sauces is truly impressive.
  • He used his full repertoire of tricks to solve the complex problem.

Advanced Usage

• "To have something in one's repertoire": To possess a particular skill, piece, or method as part of one's available set.
  • Very few violinists have that extremely difficult concerto in their repertoire.
• "To expand/broaden one's repertoire": To learn new skills or add new works to the collection one can perform or use.
  • The workshop helped the actors broaden their repertoire of vocal techniques.

Variants and Related Words

• Repertory (noun): Often used interchangeably with "repertoire," especially in the context of theater ("a repertory theater").
  • The actor spent a year working with a repertory company.

Synonyms

• Collection (especially for artistic works).
• Range (especially for skills or techniques).
• Inventory.
• Stock.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Part of one's repertoire: A standard or expected element of what someone does or offers.
  • Telling funny anecdotes is part of his repertoire when giving a speech.

Noun

1. a collection of works (plays, songs, operas, ballets) that an artist or company can perform and do perform for short intervals on a regular schedule
2. the entire range of skills or aptitudes or devices used in a particular field or occupation
   • the repertory of the supposed feats of mesmerism
   • has a large repertory of dialects and characters