viola

[ vee-oh-luh ]

/ viˈoʊ lə /

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Definition of viola

noun

a four-stringed musical instrument of the violin family, slightly larger than the violin; a tenor or alto violin.

a labial organ stop of eight-foot or four-foot pitch, giving tones of a penetrating stringlike quality.

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Origin of viola

1715–25; <Italian viola<Old Provençal viola;see viol

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH viola

viola , voilà

Words nearby viola

Vinylite, vinyl polymer, vinyl resin, vinylstyrene, viol, viola, violable, violaceous, viola clef, viola da braccio, viola da gamba

Other definitions for viola (2 of 3)

viola²

[ vahy-oh-luh, vee-, vahy-uh- ]

/ vaɪˈoʊ lə, vi-, ˈvaɪ ə- /

noun

any plant of the genus Viola, especially a cultivated variety.Compare pansy (def. 1), violet (defs. 1, 2).

a pansy, V. cornuta, cultivated as a garden plant.

Origin of viola

1400–50; late Middle English: violet <Latin: violet

Other definitions for viola (3 of 3)

Viola

[ vahy-oh-luh, vee-, vahy-uh- ]

/ vaɪˈoʊ lə, vi-, ˈvaɪ ə- /

noun

a female given name.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use viola in a sentence

Though classically trained on violin and viola, Geoffrey John Davies knew his destiny was never to perform.
Violin Channel’s digital concert series supports artists during COVID|Patrick Folliard|September 9, 2021|Washington Blade
A year into her practice, her depression had melted away, she had friends, and she could play her viola again.
Meditation isn’t always calming. For a select few, it may lead to psychosis.|Claire Maldarelli|June 21, 2021|Popular-Science
I vote in honor of my grandmother, Viola Gee Williams, who hosted meetings of the Bessemer Voters League in her home.
'I Vote Because': Americans Are Sharing Stories of How Their Ancestors Overcame Discrimination in Order to Vote|Olivia B. Waxman|November 4, 2020|Time
For a pair such as Viola and Perov, who have co-created work for decades, there is also precedent for retroactive co-authorship.
Why the Art World Ignores Wives|Jessica Dawson|March 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Few know that I also learned the viola, but gave it up after a year.
How I Write: Jared Diamond|Noah Charney|November 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
I first began studying viola with Mr. K after fourth grade, after flaming out spectacularly at piano.
No More Coddling!|Joanne Lipman|October 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST
No one thought I could play the viola—until Mr K came into my life.
No More Coddling!|Joanne Lipman|October 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST
(Viola, Twelfth Night, 3.4.304–305) What these plays all need, in production, is that sensitivity to the sea.
The Old Man and the Sea|David Farr|April 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
You don't mind asking Viola to take your name, but you consider it an insult if you are asked to take my name.
First Plays|A. A. Milne
Sister Viola, I am glad to see you stirring: its news to have me here, ist not, sister?
The Mermaid Series. Edited by H. Ellis. The best plays of the old dramatists. Thomas Dekker. Edited, with an introduction and notes by Ernest Rhys.|Thomas Dekker
Punch did not acquit her Viola of a certain restlessness, but acknowledged that at times she acted like one inspired.
Mr. Punch's History of Modern England Vol. IV of IV.|Charles L. Graves
Edith Arbuthnot had arrived, bringing with her a violinist, a viola-player and a 'cellist, but neither maid nor luggage.
Dodo's Daughter|E. F. Benson
The same work for two violins and viola, and as a sonata for pianoforte and violin, was advertised at the same time.
The Life of Ludwig van Beethoven, Volume II (of 3)|Alexander Wheelock Thayer

British Dictionary definitions for viola (1 of 2)

viola¹

/ (vɪˈəʊlə) /

noun

a bowed stringed instrument, the alto of the violin family; held beneath the chin when played. It is pitched and tuned an octave above the cello

any of various instruments of the viol family, such as the viola da gamba

Word Origin for viola

C18: from Italian viola, probably from Old Provençal viola, of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Latin vītulārī to rejoice

British Dictionary definitions for viola (2 of 2)

viola²

/ (ˈvaɪələ, vaɪˈəʊ-) /

noun

any temperate perennial herbaceous plant of the violaceous genus Viola, the flowers of which have showy irregular petals, white, yellow, blue, or mauve in colourSee also violet (def. 1), pansy (def. 1)

Word Origin for viola

C15: from Latin: violet

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 viola

viola

[ (vee-oh-luh) ]

A musical instrument shaped like a violin but somewhat larger, lower pitched, and “darker” in tone. A viola player holds a viola like a violin, under the chin.