violin Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun bowed stringed instrument that is the highest member of the violin family; this instrument has four strings and a hollow body and an unfretted fingerboard and is played with a bow
    fiddle.

WordNet

Vi`o*lin" noun
Etymology
It. violino, dim. of viola. See Viol.
Definitions
  1. (Mus.) A small instrument with four strings, played with a bow; a fiddle. ✍ The violin is distinguished for the brilliancy and gayety, as well as the power and variety, of its tones, and in the orchestra it is the leading and most important instrument.

Webster 1913