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
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Between gurgling cello and moody brass, the orchestra reached cacophony.
—
Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 27 Feb. 2026
The track credits a bevy of session musicians, including a saxophonist, a whopping six violinists, two viola players, a couple of trumpet players, a cello player, and conga player Daniel Rodriguez, who played alongside Mars at his 2025 New Year’s Eve show in Las Vegas.
—Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2026
Raised by a father who played in a symphony orchestra, McCrea trained in piano and cello before discovering what truly moved her.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
Roy had played the cello as a child.
—Sam Kriss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
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Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 27 Feb. 2026
The track credits a bevy of session musicians, including a saxophonist, a whopping six violinists, two viola players, a couple of trumpet players, a cello player, and conga player Daniel Rodriguez, who played alongside Mars at his 2025 New Year’s Eve show in Las Vegas.
—Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2026
Raised by a father who played in a symphony orchestra, McCrea trained in piano and cello before discovering what truly moved her.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
Roy had played the cello as a child.
—Sam Kriss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cello
Cite this Entry
“Cello.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cello. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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