1.NounA 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.
"When I play it like this, it's a fiddle; when I play it like this, it's a violin."
2.NounAny instrument of the violin family, always inclusive of violins, violas and cellos, and sometimes further including the double bass.
"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."
3.NounA violinist in an orchestra or group.
"The violins are seated with sufficient elbow room.; She is first violin in the London Symphony Orchestra."