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double bass

noun
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Definition of double bass

: the largest and lowest-pitched of the stringed instruments that is tuned in fourths

Illustration of double bass

Illustration of double bass
Other Words from double bass Example Sentences Learn More about double bass

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Other Words from double bass

double bassist \ ˌdə-​bəl-​ˈbā-​sist How to pronounce double bass (audio) \ noun

Examples of double bass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The violin family has four members and includes the viola, cello and double bass. — Washington Post, "Start this week on a high note by celebrating National Violin Day," 13 Dec. 2020 Last Round pits two string quartets against each other, separated by a double bass in the middle. — Tim Diovanni, Dallas News, "From Buenos Aires to Florence: Dallas Chamber Music Society concert covered a lot of ground," 17 Nov. 2020 Written for double bass, it was played by SPCO principal Zachary Cohen. — Terry Blain Special To The Star Tribune, Star Tribune, "St. Paul Chamber Orchestra livestream strikes a note of defiance amid pandemic," 2 Nov. 2020 Like Schubert’s Trout Quintet, this composition includes the double bass rather than the usual second violin, adding a pleasurable depth and chocolatey richness. — Tim Diovanni, Dallas News, "Two area ensembles trace modern classical music’s spirit of innovation," 20 Oct. 2020 Among the premieres are Adolphus Hailstork's St. Paul's Blues for Solo Flute (Oct. 17, with soloist Alicia McQuerrey), and a new work for double bass by Ambrose Akinmusire, played by SPCO principal Zachary Cohen. — Terry Blain Special To The Star Tribune, Star Tribune, "SPCO plans to livestream free concerts from the Ordway this fall," 27 Aug. 2020 As a student in the 1950s at New York’s elite Juilliard School, Mr. Grimes studied classical music and played double bass in an opera orchestra. — Matt Schudel, BostonGlobe.com, "Henry Grimes, jazz bassist who returned to music after 30-year absence, dies at 84 of coronavirus," 23 Apr. 2020 April 11, 2020 For thrills and virtuosity, check out the seismic reverberations of the double basses taking up the charge in the trio section of the scherzo at the bottom of the sonic spectrum. — Los Angeles Times, "Review: Beethoven’s Fifth is the music of our moment. How Teodor Currentzis makes it so," 14 Apr. 2020 Error 0: The trio consists of Peter Seymour (double bass), Greg Pattillo (flute), and Eric Stephenson (cello). — Staff Report, Houston Chronicle, "PROJECT Trio live in concert at JCC in Houston," 3 Jan. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'double bass.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of double bass

1728, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for double bass

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The first known use of double bass was in 1728

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Statistics for double bass

Last Updated

23 Dec 2020

Cite this Entry

“Double bass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20bass. Accessed 19 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for double bass

double bass

noun

English Language Learners Definition of double bass

: a very large musical instrument that is shaped like a violin

See the full definition for double bass in the English Language Learners Dictionary

double bass

noun

Kids Definition of double bass

: the largest instrument of the violin family

More from Merriam-Webster on double bass

Nglish: Translation of double bass for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about double bass

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