violin

noun

vi·​o·​lin ˌvī-ə-ˈlin 

: 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

ˌvī-ə-ˈli-nist 

noun

violinistic

ˌvī-ə-lə-ˈni-stik 

adjective

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

Dua Lipa, Demi Lovato, Mary J. Blige and More Stun in Photos at 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction (Exclusive) Tinsley played violin for the popular rock group from 1992 until his departure in 2018. —Rachel Desantis, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024

The Rockefeller String Quartet -- Trisha McGovern Freeney and Linnaea Brophy, violins; Katherine Reynolds, viola; and Jacob Wunsch, cello -- performs the String Quartet No. 3 by Johannes Brahms. —Eric E. Harrison, arkansasonline.com, 19 Oct. 2024

Agam Berger has been playing the violin since the fourth grade. —Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 5 Oct. 2024

During past concerts Lau has played the violin and the piano in addition to singing and dancing. —Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024

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

Kids Definition

violin

noun

vi·​o·​lin ˌvī-ə-ˈlin 

1

: a stringed musical instrument with four strings that is usually held against the shoulder under the chin and played with a bow

2

: violinist