English Reference

Word

cello

Phoneticscel·lo

US/ˈtʃɛɫoʊ/

UK/tʃˈɛləʊ/

Definition

n. a large musical instrument with four strings that you play with a bow while sitting down. It has a deep, beautiful sound and you hold it between your knees.

n. a large, four-stringed musical instrument of the violin family, held between the knees and played with a bow. It is pitched an octave below the viola.

Examples

“She practices the cello for two hours every afternoon.”

“While the violin often carries the main melody, the cello provides a rich, resonant foundation that bridges the gap between the higher strings and the double bass.”

Examples

simple

“She practices the cello for two hours every afternoon.”

complex

“While the violin often carries the main melody, the cello provides a rich, resonant foundation that bridges the gap between the higher strings and the double bass.”

Usage

The plural form is 'cellos'.

This entry

Level
B1 · Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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English Reference