violin

noun

vi·​o·​lin ˌvī-ə-ˈlin How to pronounce violin (audio)
: a bowed stringed instrument having four strings tuned at intervals of a fifth and a usual range from G below middle C upward for more than 4¹/₂ octaves and having a shallow body, shoulders at right angles to the neck, a fingerboard without frets, and a curved bridge
violinist noun
violinistic adjective

Illustration of violin

Illustration of violin
  • 1 bridge
  • 2 sound hole
  • 3 soundboard
  • 4 fingerboard
  • 5 pegs
  • 6 scroll
  • 7 tailpiece
  • g G-string
  • d D-string
  • a A-string
  • e E-string

Examples of violin 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.
Some places are hot, some are cold, some are humid and some are dry, and that affects how the violin sounds. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025 Or how about a string trio—violin, viola, cello—same, same, same. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2025 The violin maker whose hands still sharpen the same knives. Big Think, 9 Oct. 2025 Simone Kjolsrud remembered her daughter for being adventurous and someone who enjoyed being outdoors or playing the violin and cello. Julie Mendes, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for violin

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian violino, from viola "viola, viol" + -ino, diminutive suffix, going back to Latin -īnus -ine entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1576, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of violin was circa 1576

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Cite this Entry

“Violin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/violin. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

violin

noun
vi·​o·​lin ˌvī-ə-ˈlin How to pronounce violin (audio)
1
: a stringed musical instrument with four strings that is usually held against the shoulder under the chin and played with a bow
2

More from Merriam-Webster on violin

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