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

Pollack’s character, Rosie, is a gifted cello prodigy who competes for the chance to open for the band Connect 3 (once again played by the Jonas Brothers) on their national tour after. — Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026

Life begins as a fanfare — a regal entry heralded by brass — and ends as a solo cello lament and the serene acceptance of death as sung by a choir. — Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

The cello is an instrument most often associated with concert halls, orchestras and chamber music. — Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026

Sanchez plays Tere, a cello musician-composer in whose apartment Rosa (played by Rosa Estela Juárez Vargas), a contemporary music composer, arranges her first television interview. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 7 Aug. 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