cello

[ chel-oh ]

/ ˈtʃɛl oʊ /

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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.

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Also called violoncello.

Origin of cello

First recorded in 1875–80; short for violoncello

Words nearby cello

cell lineage, cellmate, cell-mediated immune response, cell-mediated immunity, cell membrane, cello, cellobiose, celloidin, cellophane, cellophane noodle, Cellosolve

Other definitions for cello (2 of 2)

cello²

[ 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. 2023

How to use cello in a sentence

Classically trained in piano and cello, Fisher had also picked up the guitar as a teenager.
Meet the OZY Genius Who’s Making Arts Programs More Accessible|Eugene Robinson|July 27, 2021|Ozy
The same goes for handling a bicycle, riding a wave, growing a garden, or playing the cello.
These 7 Dog-Training Principles Work for Humans, Too|cobrien|July 14, 2021|Outside Online
They played, respectively, a cello, djembe drum, and floor tom drum.
What Makes Music Universal - Issue 99: Universality|Kevin Berger|April 29, 2021|Nautilus
Yo-Yo Ma started sharing cello solos he called “Songs of Comfort” during early pandemic days.
The Livestream Show Will Go On. How COVID Has Changed Live Music—Forever|Raisa Bruner|March 30, 2021|Time

Boynton wrote, illustrated, and directed the creation of the Jungle Night video, while Ma used his cello to bring to life the sounds of snoozing jungle creatures.
Sandra Boynton and Yo-Yo Ma in Conversation With a Kid Reporter About Their New Collaboration Jungle Night|TIME for Kids|March 23, 2021|Time
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
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.
Atlantic Classics|Various

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 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.