violoncello

9.2

A large string instrument like a bigger violin played between the knees with a bow to make low deep notes

noun
/ˌviə.lənˈtʃɛ.loʊ/

: violonchelo

The musician skillfully played the violoncello during the concert, captivating the entire audience.

Then in the cellos, I'm going to have the cellos play divide up and play CG.

Examples

Then in the cellos, I'm going to have the cellos play divide up and play CG.

Rick Beato
As Abogin cries and opens his heart to the doctor "with perfect sincerity," Kirillov notices the luxurious surroundings, the violoncello case that bespeaks higher cultural status, and reacts wrathfully.

Blog text (17)
She decided to learn how to play the violoncello because she loved its deep, rich sound.
In the orchestra, the violoncello added a beautiful harmony that complemented the violins perfectly.

Synonyms

cello

vsvioloncello

69 3.9

A large string musical instrument that you hold upright between your knees and play with a bow

is the longer formal name used instead of the short term in technical references

How Low

double bass

1 3.6

violoncello

9.2

viola

11 5.1

violin

159 1.8

piccolo

5 7.5

Surface Forms

violoncello singular

violoncellos plural

cellos plural

cello singular

Etymology

Violoncello comes from Italian parts: violone meaning 'big fiddle' and the small ending -cello meaning 'little', so the name is like 'small big fiddle'. It is related to violin and viola and is called cello in English because it is part of the violin family that makes deep, low sounds.