cello

1
[ chel-oh ]

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

Origin of cello

1
First recorded in 1875–80; short for violoncello

Words Nearby cello

Other definitions for cello (2 of 2)

cello2
[ sel-oh ]

noun, adjectiveInformal.

Origin of cello

2
By shortening

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use cello in a sentence

  • Anne-Marie lifts her right arm slowly, and strikes the low G—a long vibrating note, like the note of a 'cello.

    The Devourers | Annie Vivanti Chartres
  • It was not simply that his 'cello was his joy and pride, but he felt it to be a recognition of his return to respectability.

    Black Rock | Ralph Connor
  • Dr. Vereker won't have a cab; he will leave the 'cello till next time, and walk.

    Somehow Good | William de Morgan
  • If one has a few pieces (violin, cello, bass viol, flute) to play Hungarian airs during the dinner it will please the guests.

    Suppers | Paul Pierce
  • Short-distance travel with a 'cello is not much more agreeable.

British Dictionary definitions for cello

cello

/ (ˈtʃɛləʊ) /


nounplural -los
  1. 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: Full name: violoncello

Derived forms of cello

  • cellist, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for cello

cello

[ (chel-oh) ]


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.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.