violoncello

noun

vi·​o·​lon·​cel·​lo ˌvī-ə-lən-ˈche-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce violoncello (audio)
ˌvē-
: cello
violoncellist noun

Examples of violoncello in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'violoncello.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian, from violone "bass viol" (augmentative of viola "viola, viol") + -cello, diminutive suffix (variant of -ello after nouns ending in -one), going back to Latin -cellus, diminutive of -culus, diminutive suffix

First Known Use

circa 1724, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of violoncello was circa 1724

Dictionary Entries Near violoncello

Cite this Entry

“Violoncello.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/violoncello. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

violoncello

noun
vi·​o·​lon·​cel·​lo ˌvī-ə-lən-ˈchel-ō How to pronounce violoncello (audio)
ˌvē-
: cello

More from Merriam-Webster on violoncello

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