# viola

/vaɪˈoʊɫə/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/viola
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. musical instrument

noun · CEFR B2

a wooden musical instrument with strings that you play with a bow. It looks like a violin but is slightly larger and has a deeper sound.

For teachers: a bowed string instrument of the violin family, larger than a violin and tuned a fifth lower. It typically functions as the alto voice in an orchestra or string quartet.

- She played the viola in the school orchestra because she loved its warm, low sound.
- The composer assigned the haunting solo melody to the viola, taking advantage of the instrument's unique, mellow timbre in its middle register.

### 2. flower

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a small plant with colourful flowers, often purple, yellow, or white. Pansies and violets are types of violas.

For teachers: any plant of the genus Viola, characterized by zygomorphic flowers and typically heart-shaped leaves.

- We planted bright purple violas in the garden to add some colour in the spring.
- The botanist noted that several species of viola were thriving in the damp, shaded areas of the woodland floor.

## Examples

- She plays the viola in the school orchestra.
- The viola section provided the rich, warm middle tones that supported the melody.
- In the complex textures of a string quartet, the viola often weaves intricate counter-melodies that bridge the gap between the soaring violins and the grounding cellos.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.