double bass

[beys]

noun

1. the largest instrument of the violin family, having three or, usually, four strings, rested vertically on the floor when played.

double bass

/ beɪs /

noun

1. Informal name: bass fiddle. Also called (US): bass viol. a stringed instrument, the largest and lowest member of the violin family. Range: almost three octaves upwards from E in the space between the fourth and fifth leger lines below the bass staff. It is normally bowed in classical music, but it is very common in a jazz or dance band, where it is practically always played pizzicato

adjective

1. of or relating to an instrument whose pitch lies below that regarded as the bass; contrabass

double bass

1. Another name for the bass viol.

Other Word Forms

• double bassist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of double bass¹

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

Their appearance was a sensation – combining sheer technical skill with a thrilling joie de vivre, as they span their double basses, twirled their trumpets and clattered their cowbells, all while clad in Venezuelan-flag jackets.

From BBC

The child of movie stars, she shunned the limelight, picking an instrument — the double bass — that blends within the ensemble.

From Los Angeles Times

Closely related to the European double bass, the tololoche is smaller in size.

From Los Angeles Times

The new material introduced a more mature, rootsy sound for 26-year-old, whose nimble acoustic guitar playing was supplemented by double bass, mandolin and violin.

From BBC

“Overture” sets the tone, with a wandering double bass that leads softly into classic Ellington orchestrations.

From New York Times