A bowed instrument is a type of string instrument that is played by drawing a bow across its strings. The most common bowed instruments are the VIOLIN (6 letters), VIOL (4 letters), CELLO (5 letters), and VIOLA (5 letters). The VIOLIN is the smallest and highest-pitched of the four instruments, while the CELLO is the largest and lowest-pitched. The VIOLA is slightly larger than the VIOLIN and has a deeper sound. All four instruments are used in orchestras and chamber music ensembles.