What does repertoire mean?
A repertoire is the collection of abilities, materials, or works that someone or something can draw upon. In artistic contexts, it commonly means the plays, songs, instruments, or other pieces that a performer or company is prepared to present. More generally, it refers to a person's range of skills or a group's practical resources and experience. The word often suggests breadth and versatility rather than a single speciality: a musician may have a repertoire of classical and folk music, while a negotiator may have a repertoire of strategies. It is especially appropriate when the items in question are familiar, cultivated, and ready for active use. The term is formal and established in the arts, education, business, and professional writing.
nounA collection or range of skills, knowledge, experiences, or works that a person or group is able to perform or draw upon. It can also refer to the body of material an artist, company, or institution regularly presents.
- The collection of skills, knowledge, or techniques that a person is able to use in a particular field or activity.
- The body of songs, plays, works, or other material performed by an artist or company.
- A range of items or activities associated with a particular person, organization, or context.
"Her wide repertoire of folk songs has earned her a devoted following."
"The course broadened her repertoire of practical techniques."
"The company's repertoire included both classic dramas and modern experimental work."
Used when referring to separate collections or ranges, especially the bodies of work performed by different artists or companies.
"The festival presents the contrasting repertoires of several generations of musicians."
A singer's repertoire is not just a song list; it is the living library of music they can bring to the stage.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does repertoire come from?
The English word comes through French répertoire from Latin repertorium, meaning “inventory” or “catalogue.” The underlying Latin repertorius meant “belonging to finding or discovering,” and was based on reperire, “to find out” or “to discover.” In English, the meaning developed from a collection of dramatic or musical works available for performance to the broader modern sense of a range of abilities, materials, or experiences.
How repertoire is actually used
The word is commonly used in artistic and professional contexts, especially for an artist's body of work or a performer's range of skills. It is more formal than simply “collection” or “range” and often implies work that has been prepared or mastered.