cello

noun

cel·​lo ˈche-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce cello (audio)
plural cellos also celli ˈche-lē How to pronounce cello (audio)
: the bass member of the violin family tuned an octave below the viola

Examples of cello in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This time, though, Bing Wang (associate concertmaster), Robert deMaine (principal cello) and Joanne Pearce Martin (the orchestra’s pianist) have long been playing together in the orchestra, as well as in chamber music settings. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Through this grant, New Britain received an influx of cellos, French horns, clarinets, flutes, saxophones, tubas, trombones, trumpets, violins and xylophones. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026 Bookended by drone shots of the Macedonian countryside and a somber cello refrain by Novogradska, this 86-minute doc is otherwise composed of scoreless interviews with subjects seated in front of black curtains and captured in medium range. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026 Pollack’s character, Rosie, is a gifted cello prodigy who competes for the chance to open for the band Connect 3 (once again played by the Jonas Brothers) on their national tour after. — Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cello

Word History

Etymology

short for violoncello

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cello was in 1855

Rhymes for cello

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Browse Nearby Words

cell membrane
cello
cellobiose
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Cite this Entry

“Cello.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cello. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cello

noun
cel·​lo ˈchel-ō How to pronounce cello (audio)
plural cellos
: a large musical instrument of the violin family that plays the bass or tenor part
Etymology

shortened form of violoncello

More from Merriam-Webster on cello

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cello

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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