first violin

English

Noun

first violin (plural first violins)

1. (music) The 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.
2. (British, music) The leader of the violin section of a symphony orchestra; the concertmaster.

Synonyms

• concertmaster
• first violinist

Related terms

• second violin
• first fiddle
• lead fiddle