English · Word Candidate

violin

/ˌvaɪ.əˈlɪn/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: violins · violining · violined

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A small unfretted stringed instrument with four strings tuned (lowest to highest) G-D-A-E, usually held against the chin and played with a bow.

Noun

Examples

When I play it like this, it's a fiddle; when I play it like this, it's a violin.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Any instrument of the violin family, always inclusive of violins, violas and cellos, and sometimes further including the double bass.

Noun

Examples

The string quartet, one of the most popular groupings in chamber music, is composed entirely of violins: two violins proper, one viola, and one cello.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To play on, or as if on, a violin.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “violin” mean?

A small unfretted stringed instrument with four strings tuned (lowest to highest) G-D-A-E, usually held against the chin and played with a bow.

Is “violin” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.