violin

noun

vi·​o·​lin ˌvī-ə-ˈlin 

: a bowed stringed instrument having four strings tuned at intervals of a fifth and a usual range from G below middle C upward for more than 4¹/₂ octaves and having a shallow body, shoulders at right angles to the neck, a fingerboard without frets, and a curved bridge

violinist

ˌvī-ə-ˈli-nist 

noun

violinistic

ˌvī-ə-lə-ˈni-stik 

adjective

Illustration of violin

• 1 bridge
• 2 sound hole
• 3 soundboard
• 4 fingerboard
• 5 pegs
• 6 scroll
• 7 tailpiece
• g G-string
• d D-string
• a A-string
• e E-string

Examples of violin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Artistic director and principal violin Kyu-Young Kim stands for his solo role in the work, with concertmaster Steven Copes performing in a string quartet with Eunae Koh, Maiya Papach and Julie Albers. —Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2024

Beyoncé’s version also adds some strings and a violin and bass part, all credited to Khirye Tyler, who is credited as co-producer alongside McCartney and Beyoncé. —Chris Willman, Variety, 2 Apr. 2024

The tracks share a similar sparseness and uniformity in instrumentation–piano, violin, guitar, and occasional percussion–but rather than meld together, each song stands strong, poignant and singular. —Leah Lu, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2024

His mother, Trudy, played violin, while his father, Frederick, was a former drummer. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2024

For those who love violin and and dance: Lindsey Stirling -- violinist, dancer and entertainer extraordinaire -- added a July 29 stop at the Walmart AMP for her North American Duality tour. —Monica Hooper, arkansasonline.com, 18 Mar. 2024

Another group of sixth graders, each holding a violin or a cello, read out notes from sheet music. —Emma Green, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024

King initially played the violin in the Louisville Orchestra before moving west to start his band and release new music. —Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2024

The concert will feature Beth Ross Buckley (flute), David Buckley (violin), Andrés Martín (double bass) and Dana Burnett (piano). —The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian violino, from viola "viola, viol" + -ino, diminutive suffix, going back to Latin -īnus -ine entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1576, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

violin

noun

vi·​o·​lin ˌvī-ə-ˈlin 

1

: a stringed musical instrument with four strings that is usually held against the shoulder under the chin and played with a bow

2

: violinist