violin

violin — noun

1. A violin is made from wood and has four strings. The player tucks it between the

1.nounA2
Definition

A violin is made from wood and has four strings. The player tucks it between the chin and shoulder, then uses a bow to rub the strings and create music.

Example

Asher played a beautiful piece on his violin during the school concert.

collocation: play + piece on + violin

The violin teacher showed Stephanie how to hold the bow correctly.

Common collocations
  • play the violin
  • learn the violin
  • violin case
  • violin lessons
  • violin teacher

Usage Note

In English, we usually say 'play the violin' with the definite article 'the', even when talking about the instrument in general (e.g., 'She plays the violin').

Common Mistakes

She plays the viola' (when meaning violin).
She plays the violin.
A viola looks similar but is larger and lower in pitch.

Word family

Etymology

ItalianLatinEnglish

The word 'violin' comes from Italian 'violino', meaning 'small viola'. This in turn traces back to Latin 'vitula', a word for a stringed instrument. The violin first appeared in 16th-century Italy and became a central instrument in Western classical music.