violoncello

[ vee-uh-luhn-chel-oh, vahy- ]

noun

, plural vi·o·lon·cel·los.

1. cello ¹.

violoncello

/ ˌvaɪələnˈtʃɛləʊ /

noun

1. the full name for cello

Derived Forms

• ˌviolonˈcellist, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of violoncello¹

1715–25; < Italian, equivalent to violon ( e ) violone + -cello diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of violoncello¹

C18: from Italian, from violone + -cello, diminutive suffix

Example Sentences

He made over 1,000 violins, violas and violoncellos, and was commissioned by King James II and King Charles III of Spain, before his death in 1737.

From BBC

Excerpts from recordings of him on the King support this claim from an 1829 auction catalog: “The tone of this violoncello is of extraordinary power and richness.”

From New York Times

Antonio Stradivari was born in 1644 and made more than 1,000 violins, violas and violoncellos, commissioned by royalty throughout Europe.

From BBC

Museum officials even permitted the playing of "The King" violoncello on air, though such special occasions might happen "maybe once every generation," Johnson said.

From Seattle Times

Something she had of a young cypress in moonlight, something of a violoncello, with that voice as deep as her eyes.

From Project Gutenberg