bells: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral
Quick answer
What does “bells” mean?
A hollow metal object, typically shaped like a cup, that makes a ringing sound when struck.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hollow metal object, typically shaped like a cup, that makes a ringing sound when struck.
The sound made by a bell; any similar signaling device or resonant object (e.g., doorbell, school bell); can also refer to bell-shaped objects or ornamental jingling bells; figuratively, a moment of celebration or alarm ('rings a bell', 'alarm bells').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Bells' as objects are identical. Slight idiomatic preference: BE 'ring the bells', AE often 'ring the bell' (singular) for achievement.
Connotations
Both strongly associate with Christmas, weddings, and churches. UK has stronger historical/civic associations with bell-ringing as a tradition.
Frequency
Comparably frequent, though specific collocations like 'jingle bells' (song title) may be more culturally prominent in AE.
Grammar
How to Use “bells” in a Sentence
The bells + V (ring/toll/chime/peal)hear the bellswith bells onbells of + institution (e.g., St. Mary's)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bells” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The town crier will bell the news at noon. (archaic)
American English
- The cat was belled so we could hear it coming.
adjective
British English
- A bell-shaped curve is common in statistics.
American English
- He wore a bell-bottomed jacket for the retro party.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"Bells and whistles" refers to extra, non-essential features added to a product.
Academic
In history or musicology, may refer to carillons or campanology (the study of bells).
Everyday
Referring to doorbells, phone ringtones, or festive decorations.
Technical
In sailing, refers to ship's bell marking time; in boxing, signals the end of a round.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bells”
- Using a singular verb with plural 'bells' (e.g., 'The bells rings' is incorrect).
- Confusing 'bell' (noun) with 'belle' (a beautiful woman).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. As a verb, 'to bell' means to attach a bell to something (e.g., a cat) or, archaically, to bellow like a stag.
A 'chime' is a set of tuned bells or a similar resonant sound. 'Bell' is the general object; a 'chime' often refers to the harmonious sound or a specific musical instrument.
It's a metaphor drawn from literal alarm bells (like fire bells) that are rung to signal danger, transferring the idea to a mental feeling of suspicion or concern.
Countable. You can have one bell or many bells. The plural form 'bells' is very common when referring to the collective sound or set of bells.
A hollow metal object, typically shaped like a cup, that makes a ringing sound when struck.
Bells is usually neutral in register.
Bells: in British English it is pronounced /bɛlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɛlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “alarm bells start ringing”
- “with bells on”
- “ring a bell”
- “saved by the bell”
- “bells and whistles”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Jingle Bells' - the classic song where the word is repeated, linking the spelling and sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
BELLS ARE SIGNALS/WARNINGS (e.g., 'alarm bells'), BELLS ARE CELEBRATIONS (e.g., 'wedding bells').
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'with bells on' express?