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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Joining Childs will be Quincy Reyes (piano), Luke Little (bass), Zollie Wariner (drums), with special guest Jordan Davidson (cello). Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025 Longmore, 34, said the cello and piano music was particularly nice to listen to. Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2025 Organ opened the performance with cello soon cutting through a Beck vocal as the singer swayed, hands in pockets on stage, the epitome of cool despite the heat. Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025 Called The Cortège, the installation is a three-hour experience during which participants will be guided through various phases beginning with an open air food market and live music including hang drum and cello. Katie Bain, Billboard, 18 Aug. 2025 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 10 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on cello

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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