Violin

/ˈvaɪ.ə.lɪn/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A wooden stringed instrument held under the chin and played with a bow.
She has been practicing the violin for over ten years.
A member of the violin family, which includes instruments like the viola and cello.
The orchestra featured a beautiful arrangement for violins and cellos.
Music played on a violin.
The violin in that concerto was particularly moving.

Etymology

From Italian 'violino', diminutive of 'viola', its ancestor.

Common Phrases and Expressions

violinist:
A person who plays the violin.
to play second fiddle:
To take a subordinate role to someone else.
it’s like playing the violin in a marching band:
To engage in an activity that seems out of place or inappropriate.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

To play the violin poorly or without enthusiasm.
He was just fiddling around with his violin, not really taking it seriously.
A reference to someone's drama or complaints.
Stop playing the violin about your problems; we all have them.