cello
CHEH-loh
Cello (noun) means a large, deep-toned stringed instrument played upright with a bow, held between the knees. Example: “She has played the cello since she was seven.”
noun
1
A large, deep-toned stringed instrument played upright with a bow, held between the knees.
"She has played the cello since she was seven."
"The piece opens with a haunting solo cello line."
How to use cello
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA large stringed instrument, bigger than a violin but smaller than a double bass, played with a bow.
Common pairings
play the cello
cello solo
cello strings
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Word forms
- Plural
- cellos, celli
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She has played the _____ since she was seven.
Etymology
Shortened from violoncello, Italian for "little violone" (an early double bass) — so the name literally means "small big-viola."
Synonyms
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violoncello
Rhymes for cello
See all rhymes for 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.
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