What family does the cello belong to and why?

The cello belongs to the violin family, which also includes the violin, viola, and double bass. These instruments are all string instruments, meaning that they produce sound by vibrating strings. The cello is the second-largest member of the violin family, after the double bass. It is played by sitting with the instrument between the legs, and the strings are bowed with a long, thin bow.

The violin family is part of the larger group of string instruments known as the bowed strings, which also includes the viol family (which includes the viola da gamba and the violone) and the guitar family (which includes the guitar, mandolin, and lute). All of these instruments produce sound by vibrating strings, but they are distinguished by their construction, playing technique, and sound.