liberty bell: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal (when referring to the historical artifact); Informal (when used metaphorically or in slang).
Quick answer
What does “liberty bell” mean?
A large, historically significant bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, a symbol of American independence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, historically significant bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, a symbol of American independence.
Any bell used as a symbol of freedom or liberty, or a metaphorical reference to the concept of freedom itself. In slang, can refer to a crack in a car's windshield resembling the famous crack in the Liberty Bell.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is overwhelmingly American in reference to the specific historical artifact. In British English, it is primarily known as a U.S. cultural/historical reference and is rarely used generically.
Connotations
In American English, it evokes patriotism, revolution, and foundational history. In British English, it is primarily a foreign cultural reference, sometimes with neutral or mildly positive connotations of 'American freedom'.
Frequency
High frequency in American historical, political, and cultural contexts; very low frequency in everyday British English.
Grammar
How to Use “liberty bell” in a Sentence
see the ~visit the ~the ~ crackedthe ~ is a symbol ofa replica of the ~Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “liberty bell” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The documentary aims to liberty-bell the ideals of the era. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- They sought to liberty-bell their message across the nation. (rare, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- He gave a liberty-bell speech on democratic values. (rare, metaphorical)
American English
- The event had a real liberty-bell feel to it. (informal, evocative of patriotism)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in branding or names of American companies evoking patriotism.
Academic
Common in U.S. history, political science, and American studies papers.
Everyday
Used by Americans in historical/tourist contexts. Slang use for a cracked windshield.
Technical
Used in historical preservation, metallurgy (study of the bell's composition/crack), and acoustics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “liberty bell”
- Incorrectly referring to any old bell as 'a liberty bell'. Using lowercase when referring specifically to the Philadelphia bell. Mispronouncing 'liberty' in the compound (e.g., /laɪˈbɜː.ti/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring specifically to the historical artifact in Philadelphia. The lowercase form 'liberty bell' can be used generically for any bell symbolising liberty, but this is rare.
It is inscribed with the words: 'Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof Lev. XXV. v. X.'
The bell cracked shortly after its arrival in Philadelphia in 1752. It was recast twice, and the final, famous crack developed sometime in the early 19th century, likely due to the brittle nature of the metal.
No. Due to the crack, it has not been rung since 1846. It is now tapped very gently on rare ceremonial occasions, but does not produce a full ring.
A large, historically significant bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, a symbol of American independence.
Liberty bell is usually formal (when referring to the historical artifact); informal (when used metaphorically or in slang). in register.
Liberty bell: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɪb.ə.ti ˈbel/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪb.ɚ.t̬i ˌbel/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cracked like the Liberty Bell (informal: very old or damaged)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
LIBERTY BELL: Imagine the word 'LIBERTY' written on a large BELL. The L in Liberty is also the bell's clapper.
Conceptual Metaphor
FREEDOM IS A RESONANT SOUND (The bell's ring symbolizes liberty spreading).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason the Liberty Bell is historically significant?