cello

¹

[chel-oh]

noun

plural

cellos 

1. the second largest member of the violin family, rested vertically on the floor between the performer's knees when being played.

cello

²

[sel-oh]

noun

Informal.

1. cellophane.

cello

/ ˈtʃɛləʊ /

noun

1. Full name: violoncello. music a bowed stringed instrument of the violin family. Range: more than four octaves upwards from C below the bass staff. It has four strings, is held between the knees, and has an extendible metal spike at the lower end, which acts as a support

cello

1. An instrument in the violin family, known for its rich tone. Among the strings, or stringed instruments, the cello has the second-lowest range, higher only than the bass viol, and it has the lowest part in string quartets. Cellists hold the instrument between their knees to play it. Cello is short for violoncello.

Other Word Forms

• cellist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cello¹

First recorded in 1875–80; short for violoncello

Origin of cello²

By shortening

Example Sentences

Ma’s cello, on the other hand, fits in, often remaining in the background, though not a distant background.

From Los Angeles Times

The afternoon sun has just begun to peer through his windows, revealing stacks of books with a black cello case gently leaning against them.

From Los Angeles Times

Yes, it turns out Nathaniel started on the bass, switched to cello and has never had any training on the violin.

From Los Angeles Times

“In our living room when I was growing up were a cello, a harp, a Steinway piano and other instruments,” Stan said.

From Los Angeles Times

And on cello, the most senior member of the group: Yo-Yo Ma.

From Los Angeles Times