viola da gamba

noun

vi·o·la da gam·ba vē-ˌō-lə-də-ˈgäm-bə

-ˈgam-

plural violas da gamba vē-ˌō-ləz-də-

or viole da gamba vē-ˌō-(ˌ)lā-

: a bass member of the viol family having a range approximating the cello

violist da gamba

vē-ˌō-lis(t)-də-

noun

Examples of viola da gamba in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Jones plays the viola da gamba. —

Manuela Andreoni, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2023 This is where Jones’ viola da gamba comes in. —

Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2023 Along with Lebedinsky, the group includes Kati Kyme on viola, William Skeen on violoncello and viola da gamba, Kevin Cooper on the lute-like theorbo, and violinists Aaron Westman and Anna Washburn. —

Beth Woodcontributor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2023 The viola da gamba also was popular at that time, but eventually the cello elbowed it out of the modern-day orchestra. —

Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2023 See all Example Sentences for viola da gamba

Word History

Etymology

Italian, leg viol

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of viola da gamba was in 1597

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Viola da gamba.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viola%20da%20gamba. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

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