double bass

noun

: the largest and lowest-pitched of the stringed instruments that is tuned in fourths

double bassist

ˌdə-bəl-ˈbā-sist 

noun

Illustration of double bass

Examples of double bass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Longtime collaborators Rex Horan and Evan Jenkins play double bass and drums, respectively, on Blue Reservoir, joined by percussionist Fabio de Oliveira. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026

My own favorite album is Huntington Ashram Monastery—split equally between piano and harp, with the note-perfect complement of Ron Carter’s hypnotic double bass and Rashied Ali’s hypersensitive drums. — Ian Penman, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

Along with electric guitar, the instruments common to Chicago blues include drums, harmonica, piano, double bass, and electric bass. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026

In our house, our son has gone from playing clarinet to playing guitars and now a double bass. — New Atlas, 6 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for double bass

• fiberglass
• fibreglass
• hourglass
• isinglass
• lemongrass
• martinmas
• orchardgrass
• overpass
• plexiglas
• plexiglass
• sassafras
• superclass

Kids Definition

double bass

noun

: the largest instrument of the violin family