cello
noun
cel·lo
ˈche-(ˌ)lō 
plural cellos also celli
ˈche-lē
: the bass member of the violin family tuned an octave below the viola
Examples of cello in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ma trotted out holding a cello, to One Direction-level applause.
—
Jane Bua, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
One of the sisters played cello and African drum.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
Name David Harrington Best known for Unwavering work in Kronos Quartet daily since September 1, 1973—with a singular devotion to the immense sonic and expressive possibilities when combining two violins, a viola, and a cello.
—Liza Lentini, SPIN, 3 Apr. 2026
Then, in the Andante movement, the upper strings opened with a glassy sound before the mournful line of the cello entered.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026
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Jane Bua, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
One of the sisters played cello and African drum.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
Name David Harrington Best known for Unwavering work in Kronos Quartet daily since September 1, 1973—with a singular devotion to the immense sonic and expressive possibilities when combining two violins, a viola, and a cello.
—Liza Lentini, SPIN, 3 Apr. 2026
Then, in the Andante movement, the upper strings opened with a glassy sound before the mournful line of the cello entered.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cello
Cite this Entry
“Cello.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cello. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cello
noun
cel·lo
ˈchel-ō
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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