cello1
[chel-oh]
- the second largest member of the violin family, rested vertically on the floor between the performer's knees when being played.
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Origin of cello1
First recorded in 1875–80; short for violoncello
Also called violoncello.
cello2
[sel-oh]
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Origin of cello2
by shortening
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for cello
Contemporary Examples
Only one of each: one bass, one cello, like a string quintet.
In full disclosure, I play the cello, and it is my favorite instrument.
We teach them everything from how to mic their cello to how to book a gig.
My roommate, a talented musician and mathematician, gave up the cello and took a job as an investment banker.
The cello adds an elegant dramatic touch to a song many have found rather devoid of emotion.
Historical Examples
A very capable workman, some of his 'cello bows are excellent.
The Bow, Its History, Manufacture and UseHenry Saint-George
To the left was the orchestra, a violin, 'cello and bass viol.
Spring StreetJames H. Richardson
There are also sonatas for violin and for 'cello with piano, and a piano scherzo.
Woman's Work in MusicArthur Elson
Sophie173 Seipt, of Cologne, has also published a number of 'cello pieces.
Woman's Work in MusicArthur Elson
She has also written pieces for violin, 'cello, voice, and piano.
Woman's Work in MusicArthur Elson
cello
- 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
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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
n.
1857, shortening of violoncello (q.v.).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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.
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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.