viola da gamba

noun vi·o·la da gam·ba \vē-ˌō-lə-də-ˈgäm-bə, -ˈgam-\

plural vi·o·las da gamba \-ləz-də-\ or vi·o·le da gamba \-(ˌ)lā-\

Definition of VIOLA DA GAMBA

: a bass member of the viol family having a range approximating the cello

— vi·o·list da gamba \-lis(t)-də-\ noun

Italian, leg viol

First Known Use: 1597

Next Word in the Dictionary: viola d'amorePrevious Word in the Dictionary: viola da braccioAll Words Near: viola da gamba

What made you want to look up viola da gamba? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears