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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The album’s messy yet seamless scatter-spray of instruments—cello, hand shakers, piano—gets torn apart by the foulest plumes of bass. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2025 Editing was done by spooling the recording from one reel to another, cutting out the unwanted elements with a razor blade, and cello-taping the remaining tape back together. Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025 The sisters established their band SistaStrings in Milwaukee in 2014, with Chauntee on violin and Monique on cello, before moving to Nashville in 2020 and joining Carlile's touring band in 2022. Piet Levy, jsonline.com, 3 Nov. 2025 Or how about a string trio—violin, viola, cello—same, same, same. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cello.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cello. Accessed 8 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!