WordGarden.iobell
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈɛl/
US
- /ˈbɛl/
Meanings
Noun
a hollow metal device that rings to signal or attract attention
the flared end of a wind instrument where sound comes out
Beyond the definition
A bell isn't just something that rings; it is a hollow instrument, usually made of metal, designed to emit a clear, resonant tone when struck. Think of majestic church bells calling a community to worship, or the cheerful chime on a bicycle warning pedestrians of your approach. For centuries, bells have served as essential signals—announcing major events, marking the passage of time, summoning help, and even acting as symbolic charms to ward off misfortune.
In daily English, you might ring a bell, hear a bell, or answer the doorbell when someone arrives. The phrase "saved by the bell" is widely believed to come from the sport of boxing, where the bell signaling the end of a round could save a struggling fighter from a knockout. Literature is also full of bells; for instance, William Shakespeare famously used the "knell" of a bell in Macbeth to represent a somber, final summons.
A bell is a hollow metallic instrument, typically shaped like an inverted cup, that vibrates and produces sound when struck by an internal "clapper" or an external hammer. While the classic bronze church bell is the most iconic image, bells come in a vast array of sizes and styles—from the delicate handbells used by musicians to the festive jingle bells of the holiday season and the piercing warning bells on emergency vehicles.
Historically, bells were the primary tools of mass communication long before widespread literacy or digital technology. They were the voice of the town, announcing everything from fires and meetings to royal decrees and religious services. Across various cultures, bells have also carried deep symbolic weight, representing protection, good fortune, or a call to spiritual awakening.
The sound of a bell can evoke a broad spectrum of emotions: the joy of a wedding peal, the solemnity of a funeral toll, or the sudden urgency of an alarm. Linguistically, the word is just as versatile. The idiom "to ring a bell" means that something sounds familiar; for example, "That name rings a bell" suggests a vague recognition of someone. Whether signaling a grand celebration, warning of imminent danger, or simply adding a touch of musicality to our surroundings, the humble bell continues to resonate through history as a powerful and versatile symbol.
Examples
- 1
School signal
The bell rang at noon, and the students rushed out for lunch.
- 2
Front door
She rang the bell and waited at the front door.
- 3
Church bells
We could hear church bells across the village on Sunday morning.
- 4
Shop entrance
A small bell on the shop door sounded when I walked in.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Familiar name
His name rings a bell, but I can't place him.
- Phraserings a bell
seems familiar
- 6
Warning sign
The report about falling sales set alarm bells ringing in the office.
- Phrasealarm bells ringing
a warning that something may be wrong
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- bellnounverb
Forms
- bellspluralnounverb
- belling-ing formverbnoun
- belledpast tenseverbnoun