noun A stringed instrument similar to but slightly larger than a violin, with a deeper tone.
- But those who attack violists shouldn't throw resin. Once the ergonomic viola catches on what instrument will be immune?
— Edward Rothstein, A Comeback for the Viola. No Joking (1997)
- She switched from violin to viola in her second year of music college.
- Also in that series, without Mr. Masur's guiding hand, Ms. Phelps and Ms. Young will anchor performances of Bach's Sixth "Brandenburg" Concerto, in which violas carry the upper lines.
— James E. Oestreich, MUSIC; Violists Are the Twin Stars Of an Orchestral Galaxy (1999)
- He played the viola in the school orchestra, right beside the cellos.
- The rich, warm sound of the viola made the quiet song feel sad.
noun A flowering plant of the genus Viola, including violets and pansies.
- The garden border was planted with violas in purple and yellow.
- We planted a few violas in a pot by the front door.
- Violas bloom in cool weather, so they brighten the garden in early spring.
