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.
Not to get too in the weeds, but the violin is tuned like a mandolin, a viola’s tuned like a manola, and the cello is tuned like a mandecello. Chris Willman, Variety, 2 Nov. 2024 There were Minions on the woodwinds, a Starfleet Vulcan playing cello, and a butterfly on violin. Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024 In classical terms, this begins as an Adagio in D minor — a slow lament led by a solo cello, that accelerates into a chaotic swell of strings. Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024 In the movie, which starred Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon, Cecile fell for her cello instructor, Sean Patrick Thomas’ Ronald Clifford. Emily Longeretta, Variety, 25 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near cello

Cite this Entry

“Cello.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cello. Accessed 24 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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