Violin
/ˌvaɪ.əˈlɪn/noun
A stringed musical instrument played with a bow, held under the chin.
Did you know?The word ultimately traces back to Latin *vitula*, which may have meant a stringed instrument or even a form of festive music, showing how deeply music and ritual were intertwined in early Europe.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
vitula
“A stringed instrument or musical performance, possibly associated with festivity”
Medieval Latin
Latin
vitula / vitulari
“To celebrate or sing for joy; the exact link to the instrument is debated”
Italian
Italian
viola
“A bowed string instrument”
Late 16th Century
Italian
violino
“A small viola”
Early 17th Century
English
violin
“A small bowed string instrument”