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. 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 Informal namebass fiddle

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 Words From

• double bassist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of double bass¹

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

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

A double bass bow was laid out, ready for the evening’s performance; attached to it, wobbling in the air, were several black-and-white balloons.

From New York Times

And on the new Blink album, he played double bass for the first time.

From Los Angeles Times