violoncello

noun

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

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

Rhymes for violoncello

See All Rhymes for violoncello

Browse Nearby Words

violoncellist
violoncello
violoncello piccolo
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Violoncello.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/violoncello. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of violoncello for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about violoncello

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