cello

noun

cel·​lo ˈche-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce cello (audio)
plural cellos also celli ˈche-lē How to pronounce cello (audio)
: the bass member of the violin family tuned an octave below the viola

Examples of cello in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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By now, however, most know him as the lovable, cello-playing geek Leonard Hofstadter who married the pretty blonde waitress. Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026 The New York cello-saxophone duo trades the strictures of classical music for more exploratory tones and textures, fusing the expansiveness of film scores with the immediacy of pop. Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 11 June 2026 In total, there are seven Kanneh-Mason siblings, all of whom play either violin, piano or cello. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 June 2026 String bass, cello and trumpet. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cello

Word History

Etymology

short for violoncello

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cello was in 1855

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Cite this Entry

“Cello.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cello. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

cello

noun
cel·​lo ˈchel-ō How to pronounce cello (audio)
plural cellos
: a large musical instrument of the violin family that plays the bass or tenor part
Etymology

shortened form of violoncello

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