cello
1 synonym for cello, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A large, deep-toned stringed instrument played upright with a bow, held between the knees.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
violoncello
How to use cello
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
play the cello
cello solo
cello strings
Etymology
Shortened from violoncello, Italian for "little violone" (an early double bass) — so the name literally means "small big-viola."
Full origin of cello →Frequently asked questions
What does “cello” mean?
The word “cello” means a large, deep-toned stringed instrument played upright with a bow, held between the knees. In plain terms, a large stringed instrument, bigger than a violin but smaller than a double bass, played with a bow.
How do you pronounce “cello”?
“Cello” is pronounced CHEH-loh (/ˈt͡ʃɛloʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “cello” in a sentence?
Here is “cello” used in a sentence: “She has played the cello since she was seven.”
What part of speech is “cello”?
“Cello” is a noun.
Where does the word “cello” come from?
The word “cello” comes from Italian. Shortened from violoncello, Italian for "little violone" (an early double bass) — so the name literally means "small big-viola.".
Is “cello” a common word?
“Cello” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
