Definition

1. Noun:
   • A collection of works that a performer or company has prepared and regularly performs: This refers to the specific set of plays, operas, songs, or other pieces that an artist or theatrical company is ready to present, often in rotation.
   • A storehouse or repository: This is a more general, and now less common, meaning referring to a place where a stock of items is kept.
   • The entire range of skills, devices, or items available in a particular field: This figurative sense describes the full collection of techniques or resources someone or something possesses.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The theatre company has a varied repertory of classic and modern plays.
  • The singer's repertory includes art songs from several European languages.
  • He has a vast repertory of jokes for any occasion. (Figurative use)
  • The library served as a repertory of ancient manuscripts. (Less common, storehouse sense)

Advanced Usage

• "In repertory" or "repertory theatre": A system of producing plays where a company performs different works from its collection on a rotating schedule, rather than running a single play for a long period.
  • The actors gained valuable experience working in repertory.
  • She started her career at a famous repertory theatre.

Variants and Related Words

• Repertoire: This is a very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "repertory," especially for the collection of performed works. In modern usage, "repertoire" is more common for an individual artist's collection of pieces, while "repertory" is strongly associated with theatre companies and systems.
• Repository (n): A place where things are stored or deposited. This word is more commonly used today for the "storehouse" sense.

Synonyms

• Collection: A group of accumulated items.
• Stock: A supply of goods or skills available for use.
• Inventory: A complete list of items or skills.

Notes on Different Meanings

The primary contemporary meaning of repertory relates to the performing arts. The "storehouse" meaning is now rare and largely replaced by words like repository or archive. The figurative meaning (a range of skills) is still in use but often overlaps with the more common word repertoire.

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
3. a storehouse where a stock of things is kept