viola

¹

[ vee-oh-luh ]

noun

1. a four-stringed musical instrument of the violin family, slightly larger than the violin; a tenor or alto violin.
2. a labial organ stop of eight-foot or four-foot pitch, giving tones of a penetrating stringlike quality.

viola

²

[ vahy-oh-luh, vee-, vahy-uh- ]

noun

1. any plant of the genus Viola, especially a cultivated variety. Compare pansy ( def 1 ), violet ( defs 1, 2 ).
2. a pansy, V. cornuta, cultivated as a garden plant.

Viola

³

[ vahy-oh-luh, vee-, vahy-uh- ]

noun

1. a female given name.

viola

¹

/ ˈvaɪələ; vaɪˈəʊ- /

noun

1. any temperate perennial herbaceous plant of the violaceous genus Viola, the flowers of which have showy irregular petals, white, yellow, blue, or mauve in colour See also violet pansy

viola

²

/ vɪˈəʊlə /

noun

1. a bowed stringed instrument, the alto of the violin family; held beneath the chin when played. It is pitched and tuned an octave above the cello
2. any of various instruments of the viol family, such as the viola da gamba

viola

1. A musical instrument shaped like a violin but somewhat larger, lower pitched, and “darker” in tone. A viola player holds a viola like a violin , under the chin.

Word History and Origins

Origin of viola¹

1715–25; < Italian viola < Old Provençal viola; viol

Origin of viola²

1400–50; late Middle English: violet < Latin: violet

Word History and Origins

Origin of viola¹

C15: from Latin: violet

Origin of viola²

C18: from Italian viola, probably from Old Provençal viola, of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Latin vītulārī to rejoice

Example Sentences

Though classically trained on violin and viola, Geoffrey John Davies knew his destiny was never to perform.

From Washington Blade

A year into her practice, her depression had melted away, she had friends, and she could play her viola again.

From Popular-Science

I vote in honor of my grandmother, Viola Gee Williams, who hosted meetings of the Bessemer Voters League in her home.

From Time

For a pair such as Viola and Perov, who have co-created work for decades, there is also precedent for retroactive co-authorship.

From The Daily Beast

Few know that I also learned the viola, but gave it up after a year.

From The Daily Beast

I first began studying viola with Mr. K after fourth grade, after flaming out spectacularly at piano.

From The Daily Beast

No one thought I could play the viola—until Mr K came into my life.

From The Daily Beast

(Viola, Twelfth Night, 3.4.304–305) What these plays all need, in production, is that sensitivity to the sea.

From The Daily Beast

You don't mind asking Viola to take your name, but you consider it an insult if you are asked to take my name.

From Project Gutenberg

Sister Viola, I am glad to see you stirring: its news to have me here, ist not, sister?

From Project Gutenberg

Punch did not acquit her Viola of a certain restlessness, but acknowledged that at times she acted like one inspired.

From Project Gutenberg

Edith Arbuthnot had arrived, bringing with her a violinist, a viola-player and a 'cellist, but neither maid nor luggage.

From Project Gutenberg

The same work for two violins and viola, and as a sonata for pianoforte and violin, was advertised at the same time.

From Project Gutenberg