cello

[ chel-oh ]

/ ˈtʃɛl oʊ /

noun, plural cel·los.

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

Nearby words

cellini, cellini's halo, cellini, benvenuto, cellist, cellmate, cello, cellobiose, celloidin, cellophane, cellophane noodle, cellosolve

Origin of cello

First recorded in 1875–80; short for violoncello

Also called violoncello.

Definition for cello (2 of 2)

cello

[ sel-oh ]

/ ˈsɛl oʊ /

noun, adjective Informal.

cellophane.

Origin of cello

by shortening

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for cello

Only one of each: one bass, one cello, like a string quintet.
Meet Alexandre Desplat, Hollywood’s Master Composer|Andrew Romano|February 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In full disclosure, I play the cello, and it is my favorite instrument.
Mark Kurlansky’s Book Bag: 5 Essential Music Reads|Mark Kurlansky|July 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
We teach them everything from how to mic their cello to how to book a gig.
Mother Falcon the 18-Piece Indie Symphonic Rock Band Taking Texas By Storm|Abby Haglage|June 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
My roommate, a talented musician and mathematician, gave up the cello and took a job as an investment banker.
Did My Education Cost Too Much?|Jessica Feldman|September 12, 2012|DAILY BEAST

The cello adds an elegant dramatic touch to a song many have found rather devoid of emotion.
10 Best and Worst “Call Me Maybe” Covers|Caleb Baer|July 10, 2012|DAILY BEAST
And after tea they sat in luxurious folding-chairs under the terrace and listened to the violins, the cello, and piano.
The Combined Maze|May Sinclair
But as the violins and 'cello sobbed out the first movement, a hush fell over the place.
The Drunkard|Cyril Arthur Edward Ranger Gull
As for the violin, it was brilliant, and good bowing, but it didn't appeal to me like Althea's 'cello.
The Girls of St. Cyprian's|Angela Brazil
My leader was a piece of gut from my brother's 'cello; my flybook, an old wallet.
The Joyful Heart|Robert Haven Schauffler
He walked over to the organ, drew out the 'cello stop, sounded a note, then came back humming it.
The Upas Tree|Florence L. Barclay

British Dictionary definitions for cello

cello

/ (ˈtʃɛləʊ) /

noun plural -los

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 supportFull name: violoncello

Derived Formscellist, 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

Word Origin and History for cello

cello

1857, shortening of violoncello (q.v.).

Culture 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.