double bass

noun

: the largest and lowest-pitched of the stringed instruments that is tuned in fourths
double bassist
ˌdə-bəl-ˈbā-sist How to pronounce double bass (audio)
noun

Illustration of double bass

Illustration of double bass

Examples of double bass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In our house, our son has gone from playing clarinet to playing guitars and now a double bass. — New Atlas, 6 June 2026 The woman’s name is Orin O’Brien, and she was hired by Leonard Bernstein to play double bass. — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026 Sach also does impressive work on the double bass, as does Boz Martin-Jones as drummer Paul Motian. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026 Common instruments in jazz include piano, double bass, trombone, trumpet, saxophone, clarinet, and drums, with an emphasis on the mighty cymbal. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for double bass

Word History

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of double bass was in 1728

Rhymes for double bass

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Browse Nearby Words

double-base powder
double bass
double bassist
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Cite this Entry

“Double bass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20bass. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

double bass

noun
: the largest instrument of the violin family

More from Merriam-Webster on double bass

Nglish: Translation of double bass for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about double bass

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