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Definition of handbell

handbell

/ˈhænd.bɛl/
hand · bell
Plural:handbells
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handbell Lexical Profile

handbell Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small bell fitted with a handle to be rung by hand, especially one of a chromatically tuned set used for ensemble musical performance.

Example

"The community choir practiced ringing their brass handbells in preparation for the winter concert."

2

A small handheld bell rung to summon attention, announce a school recess, or signal the start of an event.

Example

"The teacher stood on the porch and rang a brass handbell to call the children back from the playground."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for handbell

• Nearby Words

handballer
handbasin
handbasket
handbell
handbill
handblown
handbook

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English handbelle, a compound of hand ('hand') and belle ('bell'). Tuned musical handbells were developed in late 17th-century England to allow church tower change ringers to practice indoors.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Handbell. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/handbell
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