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

Through 107 career games, Minten’s profile has leaned more toward dependable cello player than virtuoso first violinist. — Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Once conditions became suitable, Ma was choppered up to the site with his cello. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 Sep. 2026

Wanting to leave a trace of his own musical fingerprint amid all that classical formality, McCartney insisted on an unorthodox bluesy note in the cello line that Martin warned wasn’t in keeping with the baroque style. — Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026

With Ernst Reijseger’s wonderfully varied score keeping pace, through folk fiddle and classical cello and stretches of wondering, wandering piano, there just have to be touches of fairytale and a dose of Looney Tunes. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 3 Sep. 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