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 The new season will also include encore performances by the Japanese percussion ensemble Kodo, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, and the brother-and-sister cello and piano team of Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason, to cite just three examples. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2024 The museum houses Stradivari, Amati, and Guarneri violins and cellos dating back to the 16th century, as well as recent masterworks by the world’s best luthiers. Julie Orringer, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2024 Chambers’ short answer is mainly string — guitar, violin, bass and cello. Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 10 May 2024 The concert hall, constructed of curving amber-colored wood, resembles nothing so much as the interior of a giant cello. Julie Orringer, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for cello 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cello.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near cello

Cite this Entry

“Cello.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cello. Accessed 12 Jun. 2024.

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

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