Meanings
plural first violins
- entertainmentThe lead or primary violin role in an orchestra or other ensemble, or in a musical composition, that typically contains the melody and is often more technically demanding than the second violin role. The first violin role is played by a first violinist, typically the best violinist in the orchestra.
Synonyms: concertmaster, first violinist
- UKentertainmentThe leader of the violin section of a symphony orchestra; the concertmaster.
Synonyms & antonyms
nounThe lead or primary violin role in an orchestra or other ensemble, or in a musical composition, that typically contains the melody and is often more technically demanding than the second violin role. The first violin role is played by a first violinist, typically the best violinist in the orchestra.
Cite this entry
first violin. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/first%20violin
“first violin.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/first%20violin. Accessed November 2, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “first violin,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/first%20violin.
Source: first violin on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.