cello

[chel-oh]

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.

Origin of cello

First recorded in 1875–80; short for violoncello

Also called violoncello.

cello

[sel-oh]

noun, adjective Informal.

cellophane.

Origin of cello

by shortening

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for cello

Contemporary Examples of 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
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
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
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
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

Historical Examples of cello

A very capable workman, some of his 'cello bows are excellent.
The Bow, Its History, Manufacture and Use
Henry Saint-George
To the left was the orchestra, a violin, 'cello and bass viol.
Spring Street
James H. Richardson
There are also sonatas for violin and for 'cello with piano, and a piano scherzo.
Woman's Work in Music
Arthur Elson
Sophie173 Seipt, of Cologne, has also published a number of 'cello pieces.
Woman's Work in Music
Arthur Elson
She has also written pieces for violin, 'cello, voice, and piano.
Woman's Work in Music
Arthur Elson

British Dictionary definitions for cello

cello

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

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

cello in Culture

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.