Skip to main content
contrabass

contrabass

8.1
The largest instrument in the violin family with very low notes used in orchestras
  • noun
  • /ˈkɒntrəˌbæs/
translation icon : contrabajo
  • In the jazz band, the contrabass player added depth to the rhythm, supporting the lively music.

Examples

  • The tubist can play the contrabass part down an octave.

    Academic text (2000)
  • Other girls join the group, and soon the squawk of an oboe and the groan of a contrabass begin to echo through the rooms.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Some of the more popular string instruments were guitars, violins, psalteries, vihuelas, mandolins, and contrabass.

    Academic text (1999)
  • HAL LANE: Six violins, two violas, two cellos, one contrabass, one electric bass, two guitars, one drum set, and I'll be singing.

  • The orchestra featured a profound melody played by the contrabass that resonated throughout the hall.

  • During the concert, the rich tones of the contrabass provided a beautiful foundation for the string section.

Synonyms

bass
vscontrabass
115 4.1

An instrument with a low sound that plays the lowest part in a band

refers specifically to the largest violin-family instrument rather than any low-range instrument
double bass
vscontrabass
1 3.6

A large string instrument with four strings that makes very low sounds when played with a bow or plucked

is the alternate name used for the same instrument
string bass
vscontrabass
  • US
1 3.7

A very large low instrument with a deep sound used in orchestras and jazz bands

is the name not tied to particular musical styles
bass fiddle
vscontrabass
  • Specialized
1 4.7

A very large violin that makes very low sounds

is given as the main name for the same instrument
bull fiddle
vscontrabass
  • Archaic
9.1

A very large string instrument like a big violin that makes low sounds

is the standard name rather than an informal label

How Low

contrabass
8.1
cello
69 3.9
viola
11 5.1
violin
159 1.8

Surface Forms

contrabass singular
contrabasses plural

Morphology

contrabass = bass (semi-transparent) = contra + bass

The prefix 'contra-' suggests opposition or contrast, but in this context, it refers to the range of the instrument, which may not be immediately clear to all learners.

Etymology

Contrabass comes from Italian parts contra- 'below' and bass 'low'. So the name fits the instrument: it is the largest, lowest string instrument that plays below the regular bass and is often called the double bass.