viola da gamba

American  

[vee-oh-luh duh gahm-buh, -gam-] / viˈoʊ lə də ˈgɑm bə, -ˈgæm- /

noun

plural

viola da gambas

1. Also called gamba.  an old musical instrument of the viol family, held on or between the knees: superseded by the modern violoncello; bass viol.

2. an organ stop of eight-foot pitch giving a stringlike tone.

---

viola da gamba British  

/ vɪˈəʊlə də ˈɡæmbə /

noun

1. the second largest and lowest member of the viol family See viol

---

Etymology

Origin of viola da gamba

First recorded 1590–1600; from Italian: literally, “viol for the leg”

Example Sentences

Harpsichord and viola da gamba act as soloists as well as continuo; a modern lute song is a lullaby.

From The Wall Street Journal

A harpsichord, a theorbo and a viola da gamba sound alongside an upright piano and an electric organ.

From New York Times

Behind her is a painting in dark umber of a viola da gamba, a stilled music that suggests or confirms the love theme of the picture.

From New York Times

This is where Jones’ viola da gamba comes in.

From Los Angeles Times

Later, the instrument he played most often in public was the viola da gamba, from which the cello is partially derived.

From Washington Post