violin

[vahy-uh-lin]

noun

1. the treble instrument of the family of modern bowed instruments, held nearly horizontal by the player's arm with the lower part supported against the collarbone or shoulder.

2. a violinist or part for a violin.

violin

/ ˌvaɪəˈlɪn /

noun

1. a bowed stringed instrument, the highest member of the violin family, consisting of a fingerboard, a hollow wooden body with waisted sides, and a sounding board connected to the back by means of a soundpost that also supports the bridge. It has two f-shaped sound holes cut in the belly. The instrument, noted for its fine and flexible tone, is the most important of the stringed instruments. It is held under the chin when played. Range: roughly three and a half octaves upwards from G below middle C

violin

1. The most familiar and highest-pitched instrument of the strings. A typical symphony orchestra has more than two dozen violinists.

Word History and Origins

Origin of violin¹

1570–80; < Italian violino, equivalent to viol ( a ) ( viola ¹ ) + -ino diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of violin¹

C16: from Italian violino a little viola, from _viola ¹

Example Sentences

Now comes one of his greatest feats: his debut on the Playfair, one of the most exceptional instruments in violin history.

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They sought to nurture Amelia’s talents by putting her in piano, violin and singing lessons.

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That they would continue to play tennis, piano, and violin.

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The violins her great-grandfather made in the 1800s, family portraits painted by a relative, photo albums, souvenirs from travels and personal treasures were all lost inside the homes that kept her family’s legacy.

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In the half-hour slow movement, harp and violins ascended melodic scales, allowing each step its magical, mystery share of exultation.

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Related Words

• fiddle