cello

noun

cel·​lo ˈche-(ˌ)lō 

plural cellos also celli ˈche-lē 

: the bass member of the violin family tuned an octave below the viola

Examples of cello in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That's right, Duhamel, 53, and Kelly, 46, are now part of a central story love triangle with the romantic arrival of Kelly's cello-playing British boyfriend, Oliver (Ben Robson), to the fictional Texas town. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 24 July 2026

This happens to be the first work ever written for pairs of violins, violas and cellos, as an expression of freedom that, in 1776, felt revolutionary. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

In the teaser, a lone cello gives way to swelling orchestration as Pascal moves between cavernous stages, recording booths, and the familiar haze of Los Angeles. — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2026

In fact, the name double bass comes from the instrument’s original role of doubling the bass line (often the cello line an octave lower) in large musical ensembles. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

short for violoncello

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cello

• fellow
• jello
• mellow
• melo
• velo
• marshmallow
• morello
• othello
• schoolfellow
• portobello
• violoncello

Kids Definition

cello

noun

cel·​lo ˈchel-ō 

plural cellos

: a large musical instrument of the violin family that plays the bass or tenor part

Etymology

shortened form of violoncello