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

Area acoustic instrument musicians, including violin, guitar, autoharp and ukelele players are welcome. —Roger Simmons, Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2024

But for Cai, her violin has always been a stabilizing force. —Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2024

With no synthesizers in his show, Daltrey assigned Jacoby and her violin to mimic the building intro of the anthem, which quickly burst into its full blossom. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 14 June 2024

Wilson, the group’s conductor, listened carefully for off-key notes as the sound of violins, cellos and flutes filled the air. —Adam Bearne, NPR, 3 June 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