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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Sarah Koo, busy as a lecturer at UC Irvine in cello and chamber music as well as raising young children, comes back year after year to assess the instrumental artists. Theresa Walker, Oc Register, 14 May 2026 The Stanger Competition finalists are Adrian Gonzelez, piano; Ella Wimbiscus, cello; and Francesca Gaus Ehnin, oboe. Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026 The extended human cast of characters in the series — including co-stars Noma Dumezweni, David Dastmalchian, Sabrina Wu, Akshay Khanna and Tamara Podemski — are scored with lots of cellos. Fred Topel, Deadline, 7 May 2026 Toward the end a solo cello appears, which Goldie has said—many times—represents the voice of his mother, in a final act of sympathetic connection. Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 2 May 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cello.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cello. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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

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