bell: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “bell” mean?
A hollow metal object, typically cup-shaped, that makes a ringing sound when struck.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hollow metal object, typically cup-shaped, that makes a ringing sound when struck.
Any device that produces a ringing or buzzing sound as a signal; something shaped like a bell; a bell-shaped flower; the flared end of a wind instrument.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Bell' is used identically in core meanings. Minor differences exist in specific collocations (e.g., 'bell pepper' is more common in US English; 'bell tent' is a standard term in UK English).
Connotations
Similar in both dialects. Associated with schools, churches, alarms, and ships.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “bell” in a Sentence
ring the bellsound the bellhear a bellanswer the bellbell + noun (e.g., bell tower)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bell” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The butler will bell for the carriage.
- The hounds were belled before the hunt.
American English
- He belled the cat to track its movements.
- The referee belled the end of the round.
adverb
British English
- The sound echoed bell-clear across the valley.
adjective
British English
- The bell tent was spacious.
- He admired the bell-shaped flowers.
American English
- She wore a bell-sleeve blouse.
- The graph showed a bell-curve distribution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'alarm bells started ringing' (warning signs).
Academic
In statistics: 'bell curve' (normal distribution). In history/religion: references to church or town bells.
Everyday
Doorbells, school bells, phone ringtones, bicycle bells.
Technical
In diving: 'diving bell'; in music: the bell of a trumpet; in engineering: 'bell crank'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bell”
- Using 'bell' for a clock's digital alarm sound (better: 'alarm'). Confusing 'ring a bell' (seem familiar) with literally ringing a bell.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. It can be used as a verb (to attach a bell to, or to shape like a bell) and in compound adjectives (bell-shaped), but these are less common.
'Ring the bell' is literal (to cause a bell to sound). 'Ring a bell' is an idiom meaning 'to seem familiar' or 'to trigger a memory'.
Yes, common types include church bells, handbells, sleigh bells, doorbells, and alarm bells. Each has a distinct size, purpose, and sound.
It's named for its shape, which resembles a bell. The term has no connection to the sound a bell makes.
A hollow metal object, typically cup-shaped, that makes a ringing sound when struck.
Bell is usually neutral in register.
Bell: in British English it is pronounced /bɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɛl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “ring a bell”
- “saved by the bell”
- “bell the cat”
- “with bells on”
- “clear as a bell”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BELL' as something that you can HEAR WELL.
Conceptual Metaphor
BELLS ARE SIGNALS (for time, danger, celebration). BELLS ARE ALARMS (warning of something).
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'saved by the bell' most likely mean?