cello

noun

cel·​lo ˈche-(ˌ)lō 

plural cellos also celli ˈche-lē 

: the bass member of the violin family tuned an octave below the viola

Examples of cello in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Michael Abels Abels was tasked with composing the music for Alex’s solo cello practice sessions. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026

The obvious effort that Pascal spent practicing the cello pays off in the scenes where Alex intensely plays the instrument for his own private reasons, as if asking the same thing of himself. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2026

Lisa’s friend Jerien Okoh-Tisch played the cello in her honor at the vigil. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2026

Winters said his mission is still driven in large part by getting kids excited about playing a violin or cello. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

short for violoncello

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cello

• fellow
• jello
• mellow
• melo
• velo
• marshmallow
• morello
• othello
• schoolfellow
• portobello
• violoncello

Kids Definition

cello

noun

cel·​lo ˈchel-ō 

plural cellos

: a large musical instrument of the violin family that plays the bass or tenor part

Etymology

shortened form of violoncello