double bass

[ beys ]

noun

1. the largest instrument of the violin family, having three or, usually, four strings, rested vertically on the floor when played.

double bass

/ beɪs /

noun

1. Also called (US)bass viol a stringed instrument, the largest and lowest member of the violin family. Range: almost three octaves upwards from E in the space between the fourth and fifth leger lines below the bass staff. It is normally bowed in classical music, but it is very common in a jazz or dance band, where it is practically always played pizzicato Informal namebass fiddle

adjective

1. of or relating to an instrument whose pitch lies below that regarded as the bass; contrabass

double bass

1. Another name for the bass viol .

Other Words From

• double bassist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of double bass¹

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

If a stellar-mass black hole is a violin, an IMBH is a double bass.

From The Daily Beast

Mr. Betts, of London, had one for which he refused the enormous sum of £500, and Dragonetti also refused £800 for a double bass.

From Project Gutenberg

In his younger days he also played the double-bass and played at the provincial Musical Festivals of 1871 and 1874.

From Project Gutenberg

And she thinks she is serious all the time with her great boots and her great double-bass and her French horns.

From Project Gutenberg

Edith leaned over the terrace wall, and took the double-bass bow out of the tall clump of sweet peas.

From Project Gutenberg

Don't mind the scales and the double-bass, dear Dr. Cardew; it is only Mrs. Arbuthnot, of whom you have heard.

From Project Gutenberg