fiddle
Fiddle (noun) means a violin, especially as played in folk, country, or bluegrass music. Example: “He picked up his fiddle and played a lively reel.”
How to use fiddle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA folk term for a violin, or the act of fidgeting or tinkering (sometimes dishonestly) with something.
Word forms
fiddled past tense, fiddles plural, fiddles singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He picked up his _____ and played a lively reel.
Etymology
From Old English *fiþele, of Germanic origin, possibly connected to Late Latin vitula (source of viola) — scholars disagree on the exact link.
Related words
Rhymes for fiddle
See all rhymes for fiddle →Frequently asked questions
What does “fiddle” mean?
The word “fiddle” means a violin, especially as played in folk, country, or bluegrass music. In plain terms, a folk term for a violin, or the act of fidgeting or tinkering (sometimes dishonestly) with something.
How do you pronounce “fiddle”?
“Fiddle” is pronounced FIHDL (/ˈfɪdl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “fiddle” in a sentence?
Here is “fiddle” used in a sentence: “He picked up his fiddle and played a lively reel.”
What part of speech is “fiddle”?
Depending on how it is used, “fiddle” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “fiddle” come from?
The word “fiddle” comes from Late Latin. From Old English *fiþele, of Germanic origin, possibly connected to Late Latin vitula (source of viola) — scholars disagree on the exact link.
Is “fiddle” a common word?
“Fiddle” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “fiddle” have?
“Fiddle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a violin, especially as played in folk, country, or bluegrass music.