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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The woman playing Maureen sings a performance piece in the style of Laurie Anderson while accompanying herself on the cello. Jeffrey Seller, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025 His latest novel follows a cello prodigy who has to enter witness protection with his family after his father turns state’s evidence against a group of criminals. Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 2 Apr. 2025 Born in Traverse City, Mich in 1981, Maloney grew up playing the guitar, violin, cello, and drums. Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025 While distortion-heavy guitar still features on the album, it’s paired with instruments like the cello, violin, pedal steel and synth, as well as vocal modulation in the forms of Autotune and Vocoder. James Factora, Them., 2 Apr. 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 19 Apr. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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