Key Differences The cello, short for violoncello, is a bowed string instrument with a rich, deep sound, playing a crucial role in orchestras and chamber music. While "cello" is the term widely used by musicians and in everyday language, "violoncello" is its full Italian name, suggesting a smaller version of the violone, a larger bass instrument.

When used as nouns, cello means a large stringed instrument of the violin family with four strings, tuned from lowest to highest c-g-d-a, and played with a bow, also possessing an endpin to support the instrument's weight, whereas violoncello means a large stringed instrument of the violin family, but smaller than the double bass.