violin

American  

[vahy-uh-lin] / ˌvaɪ əˈlɪn /

noun

1. the treble instrument of the family of modern bowed instruments, held nearly horizontal by the player's arm with the lower part supported against the collarbone or shoulder.

2. a violinist or part for a violin.

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violin British  

/ ˌvaɪəˈlɪn /

noun

1. a bowed stringed instrument, the highest member of the violin family, consisting of a fingerboard, a hollow wooden body with waisted sides, and a sounding board connected to the back by means of a soundpost that also supports the bridge. It has two f-shaped sound holes cut in the belly. The instrument, noted for its fine and flexible tone, is the most important of the stringed instruments. It is held under the chin when played. Range: roughly three and a half octaves upwards from G below middle C

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violin Cultural  

1. The most familiar and highest-pitched instrument of the strings. A typical symphony orchestra has more than two dozen violinists.

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Etymology

Origin of violin

1570–80; < Italian violino, equivalent to viol ( a ) ( viola ¹ ) + -ino diminutive suffix

Example Sentences

In the opening seconds of lead single Berghain, violins are followed by a choir singing.

From BBC

It now houses approximately 178 million items, from ancient clay tablets to Stradivarius violins, from the Gutenberg Bible to ever-expanding digital records.

From The Wall Street Journal

As soon those violins kick up here, you’re shoved out of the 16th century and feel less moved than shamelessly manipulated.

From Los Angeles Times

But falling between the violin’s soaring brilliance and the cello’s corporeality, the viola also signifies transition.

From Los Angeles Times

Now comes one of his greatest feats: his debut on the Playfair, one of the most exceptional instruments in violin history.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fiddle