cello

noun

cel·​lo ˈche-(ˌ)lō 

plural cellos also celli ˈche-lē 

: the bass member of the violin family tuned an octave below the viola

Examples of cello in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wanting to leave a trace of his own musical fingerprint amid all that classical formality, McCartney insisted on an unorthodox bluesy note in the cello line that Martin warned wasn’t in keeping with the baroque style. — Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026

With Ernst Reijseger’s wonderfully varied score keeping pace, through folk fiddle and classical cello and stretches of wondering, wandering piano, there just have to be touches of fairytale and a dose of Looney Tunes. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026

He is joined by Nick Lane on trombone and bass trombone, Gabe Noel on cello and bass harmonica and Ryan Tharayil on alto saxophone, flute and clarinet. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 31 Aug. 2026

This time, though, Bing Wang (associate concertmaster), Robert deMaine (principal cello) and Joanne Pearce Martin (the orchestra’s pianist) have long been playing together in the orchestra, as well as in chamber music settings. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

short for violoncello

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cello

• fellow
• jello
• mellow
• melo
• velo
• marshmallow
• morello
• othello
• schoolfellow
• portobello
• violoncello

Kids Definition

cello

noun

cel·​lo ˈchel-ō 

plural cellos

: a large musical instrument of the violin family that plays the bass or tenor part

Etymology

shortened form of violoncello