The first- and second-order Raman spectra of ZnSe have been measured and an interpretation of the spectra has been carried out. The first-order spectrum yielded the values [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for the longitudinal and transverse optical phonons at the center of the Brillouin zone. The zone boundary frequencies at the critical points X, L, and W have been estimated from the second-order spectrum. These frequencies were chosen to be consistent with both the experimental results and a theoretical model. The resulting values were further checked for consistency with a sum rule and by using regularities observed previously in the phonon spectra of zinc blende semiconductors.