bell
bell Lexical Profile
bell Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A hollow, typically metallic instrument shaped like a cup that emits a ringing sound when struck by an internal clapper or an external hammer.
"The heavy bronze bell in the cathedral tower rang out across the city to mark the start of the festival."
An electronic device or mechanical signaling mechanism that sounds a ringing note or alarm to attract attention.
"When the school bell sounded, the students quickly gathered their books and filed out of the classroom."
The flared, outward-curving end of a brass or woodwind instrument, designed to project sound.
"The jazz musician pointed the bell of his trumpet toward the ceiling as he launched into an energetic solo."
• verb
To attach a bell to someone or something.
"The wildlife researchers safely captured and belled the mountain lions to monitor their movements through the rugged terrain."
To take the shape of a bell; to flare or expand outward.
"The heavy fabric of her skirt belled out dramatically as she spun gracefully on the dance floor."
Word Nuance & Usage
Care should be taken not to confuse 'bell' with its homophone 'belle', which refers to a beautiful or prominent woman.
• Rhymes for bell
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'belle', of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'bel'. It shares an ancient root with the verb 'bellow', indicating a loud sound.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.