This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
viol
[ vahy-uhl ]
/ ˈvaɪ əl /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
a bowed musical instrument, differing from the violin in having deeper ribs, sloping shoulders, a greater number of strings, usually six, and frets: common in the 16th and 17th centuries in various sizes from the treble viol to the bass viol.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of viol
1475–85; <Middle French viole (akin to Old French viel(l)e> earlier English viele) <Old Provençal viola, derivative of violar to play the viola1 (perhaps imitative)
Words nearby viol
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use viol in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for viol
viol
/ (ˈvaɪəl) /
noun
any of a family of stringed musical instruments that preceded the violin family, consisting of a fretted fingerboard, a body rather like that of a violin but having a flat back and six strings, played with a curved bow. They are held between the knees when played and have a quiet yet penetrating tone; they were much played, esp in consorts, in the 16th and 17th centuries
Word Origin for viol
C15: from Old French viole, from Old Provençal viola; see viola 1
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