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
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Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra: The Magic Cello Experience the richness and beauty of the cello in this program, which includes Camille Saint-Saens’ Cello Concerto No. 1 featuring Ilya Finkelshteyn. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 This year, Hannah has been the principal cello in our advanced ensemble. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025 Love’s autobiography claims that the cello was the result of Carl’s suggestion. Elias Leight, Billboard, 18 June 2025 The 2024-25 season concludes today with a cello concert by South Korea’s Jaemin Han. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 June 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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