violin

noun

vi·​o·​lin ˌvī-ə-ˈlin 

: a bowed stringed instrument having four strings tuned at intervals of a fifth and a usual range from G below middle C upward for more than 4¹/₂ octaves and having a shallow body, shoulders at right angles to the neck, a fingerboard without frets, and a curved bridge

violinist

ˌvī-ə-ˈli-nist 

noun

violinistic

ˌvī-ə-lə-ˈni-stik 

adjective

Illustration of violin

• 1 bridge
• 2 sound hole
• 3 soundboard
• 4 fingerboard
• 5 pegs
• 6 scroll
• 7 tailpiece
• g G-string
• d D-string
• a A-string
• e E-string

Examples of violin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Not to get too in the weeds, but the violin is tuned like a mandolin, a viola’s tuned like a manola, and the cello is tuned like a mandecello. —Chris Willman, Variety, 2 Nov. 2024

Like Raviv, Cook has a gentle, rational-sounding voice; in the background, sparse violin music adds notes of anticipation. —Sarah Larson, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024

The knack for maintaining balance has been key to Hodge’s success across various endeavors—from writing and painting to playing the violin. —Essence, 23 Oct. 2024

Dua Lipa, Demi Lovato, Mary J. Blige and More Stun in Photos at 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction (Exclusive) Tinsley played violin for the popular rock group from 1992 until his departure in 2018. —Rachel Desantis, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian violino, from viola "viola, viol" + -ino, diminutive suffix, going back to Latin -īnus -ine entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1576, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

violin

noun

vi·​o·​lin ˌvī-ə-ˈlin 

1

: a stringed musical instrument with four strings that is usually held against the shoulder under the chin and played with a bow

2

: violinist