cascabel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2+)Formal, technical, historical, or regional (culinary)
Quick answer
What does “cascabel” mean?
A small, spherical bell, often attached to the harness of an animal or used decoratively.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, spherical bell, often attached to the harness of an animal or used decoratively.
1. A small, round bell, traditionally made of metal. 2. In historical or military contexts, a small cannonball. 3. In Mexican cuisine, a type of small, round, hot chili pepper.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both dialects treat it as a highly specialized, rare word. The culinary meaning is more likely to be encountered in American English due to greater cultural proximity to Mexican cuisine.
Connotations
In both, it connotes antiquity or regional specificity. It has no modern casual connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Slightly higher potential for encountering the chili pepper meaning in US contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cascabel” in a Sentence
The + NOUN + had a + cascabela cascabel + made of + MATERIALseason with + cascabel + (pepper/chili)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cascabel” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cascabel trim on the historical harness was polished.
- He described the cascabel mechanism of the old cannon.
American English
- She used cascabel chilies for the authentic molé sauce.
- The cascabel pepper adds a smoky heat.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
May appear in historical, cultural, or culinary studies papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used in specific historical/antique descriptions or in culinary contexts (e.g., recipe books).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cascabel”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cascabel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cascabel”
- Misspelling as 'cascable' or 'cascabelle'.
- Assuming it's a common word for any bell.
- Using it in general conversation where 'bell' or 'chili' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, specialised word used primarily in historical or culinary (Mexican) contexts.
As the name for a specific type of small, round, hot chili pepper used in Mexican cooking.
No, in standard English usage, 'cascabel' functions only as a noun or, less commonly, as an adjective (e.g., 'cascabel pepper').
It is borrowed from Spanish, where it originally meant 'a small bell' or 'rattle'. The Spanish word is thought to be of onomatopoeic origin, imitating the sound of a bell.
A small, spherical bell, often attached to the harness of an animal or used decoratively.
Cascabel is usually formal, technical, historical, or regional (culinary) in register.
Cascabel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæskəbɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæskəˌbɛl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CASTLE BELL (cascabel) that is so small it's used on a cat's collar.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUND IS A SPHERE (the round bell contains sound).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter the word 'cascabel' today?