Is 'endpin' one word or two?

It is standardly written as one closed compound word: 'endpin'.

Which instruments have an endpin?

Primarily the cello and the double bass (contrabass). Some historical viols and modern electric cellos/basses also feature them.

What is an 'endpin rest' or 'endpin stop'?

It is a device, often a rubber or plastic cup/disc, placed on the floor to prevent the metal endpin from slipping and to protect the floor surface.

Was the endpin always used on cellos?

No. The endpin came into common use in the 19th century. Before that, cellists held the instrument off the floor, gripped between the calves.

Is “endpin” formal?

Endpin is usually technical/musical in register.

How do you pronounce “endpin”?

Endpin: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɛndpɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɛndpɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

endpin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low

UK/ˈɛndpɪn/US/ˈɛndpɪn/

Technical/Musical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “endpin” mean?

A retractable metal or wooden spike at the base of a cello, double bass, or similar instrument, used to support it on the floor.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A retractable metal or wooden spike at the base of a cello, double bass, or similar instrument, used to support it on the floor.

In a broader sense, any supporting pin or rod at the end of an object, though this usage is rare and typically technical.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant lexical differences. Both varieties use 'endpin'. The component itself is identical.

Connotations

Neutral and technical in both varieties.

Frequency

Equally low frequency in both, confined to musical contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “endpin” in a Sentence

The [INSTRUMENT]'s endpinto adjust/extend/retract the endpin

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

cello endpinbass endpinadjust the endpinretractable endpin

medium

metal endpinwooden endpinendpin restextend the endpin

weak

broken endpinsharp endpinendpin holderlong endpin

Examples

Examples of “endpin” in a Sentence

verb

British English

[Not used as a verb]

American English

[Not used as a verb]

adverb

British English

[Not used as an adverb]

American English

[Not used as an adverb]

adjective

British English

[Not used as an adjective]

American English

[Not used as an adjective]

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Used in musicology, instrument history, and performance practice texts.

Everyday

Virtually never used outside of conversations among musicians or in music shops.

Technical

The primary domain. Used in luthiery (instrument making/repair), music pedagogy, and instrument specifications.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “endpin”

Strong

tailpin (archaic/less common)

Neutral

spike support

Weak

peg rod

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “endpin”

(conceptual) scrollneck pegbox

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “endpin”

Misspelling as 'end pin' (two words) is common but the standard form is the closed compound 'endpin'.
Confusing it with the 'bridge' or 'soundpost', which are internal parts.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is standardly written as one closed compound word: 'endpin'.
: Primarily the cello and the double bass (contrabass). Some historical viols and modern electric cellos/basses also feature them.
: It is a device, often a rubber or plastic cup/disc, placed on the floor to prevent the metal endpin from slipping and to protect the floor surface.
: No. The endpin came into common use in the 19th century. Before that, cellists held the instrument off the floor, gripped between the calves.
: A retractable metal or wooden spike at the base of a cello, double bass, or similar instrument, used to support it on the floor.
: Endpin is usually technical/musical in register.
: Endpin: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɛndpɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɛndpɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“[No established idioms for this technical term]”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of the END of the cello where the PIN sticks out to hold it up.

Conceptual Metaphor

A LEG or PROP for the instrument.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

Before the concert, the cellist realised she had forgotten her rest and had to use a rubber stopper instead.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of an endpin?