Bell

a hollow metal object, typically in the shape of a deep inverted cup widening at the lip, that sounds a clear musical note when struck, a device that makes a ringing sound when a button is pressed or a string is pulled, something shaped like a bell, especially the corolla of certain flowers

Bell - Meanings

a hollow metal object, typically in the shape of a deep inverted cup widening at the lip, that sounds a clear musical note when struck

Example: The church bell rang loudly to signal the start of the ceremony.

Usage: formalContext: religious ceremonies, public events

Note: Bells are commonly used in various cultural and religious ceremonies around the world.

a device that makes a ringing sound when a button is pressed or a string is pulled

Example: The doorbell chimed as the guests arrived at the party.

Usage: informalContext: everyday situations, homes, offices

Note: Doorbells are commonly used to announce visitors or deliveries in residential and commercial buildings.

something shaped like a bell, especially the corolla of certain flowers

Example: The lily had a beautiful white bell-shaped flower.

Usage: formalContext: botanical descriptions, gardening

Note: Bell-shaped flowers are common in nature and are often admired for their elegant form.

Bell's synonyms

chime

A chime is a ringing sound produced by a bell or bells.

Example: The chime of the bell signaled the end of the school day.

Note: Chime specifically refers to the sound produced by a bell.

gong

A gong is a large metal disk that produces a deep sound when struck.

Example: The gong rang out to mark the beginning of the ceremony.

Note: A gong is a specific type of percussion instrument that produces a distinct sound.

carillon

A carillon is a set of stationary bells, typically housed in a tower, played using a keyboard or automatic mechanism.

Example: The carillon in the church tower played a beautiful melody.

Note: A carillon refers to a specific type of bell instrument with multiple bells.

peal

A peal is a loud ringing of bells, typically in a series or sequence.

Example: The peal of bells echoed through the countryside.

Note: Peal emphasizes the loud and prolonged ringing of bells.

toll

To toll means to ring a bell slowly and repeatedly, especially for a funeral or disaster.

Example: The church bell began to toll solemnly as news of the tragedy spread.

Note: Toll specifically refers to the slow and mournful ringing of a bell.

Bell expressions, common phrases

Ring a bell

To sound familiar or remind someone of something, often without being able to recall the exact details.

Example: His name rings a bell, but I can't remember where I heard it.

Note: The phrase 'ring a bell' figuratively means to trigger a memory or recognition, rather than the literal sound a bell makes.

Saved by the bell

Rescued or helped out of a difficult situation at the last moment or just in time.

Example: I was about to fail the test, but then the teacher called time. I was saved by the bell!

Note: The phrase 'saved by the bell' is not about an actual bell saving someone but refers to being saved from a difficult situation by an external factor.

Bell the cat

To take on a dangerous or risky task, especially one that involves confronting a powerful or threatening person or situation.

Example: Someone needs to bell the cat and tell the boss about the mistake.

Note: The phrase 'bell the cat' comes from a fable where mice decide to put a bell on a cat to know when it's coming, symbolizing a dangerous task rather than the literal act of putting a bell on a cat.

Clear as a bell

Very clear and easy to understand, without any ambiguity.

Example: The instructions were clear as a bell; I had no trouble following them.

Note: The phrase 'clear as a bell' emphasizes the clarity of something, comparing it to the clear and distinct sound of a bell ringing.

Hell's bells

An exclamation of frustration, annoyance, or surprise.

Example: Hell's bells, I forgot my keys again!

Note: The phrase 'hell's bells' is a colloquial expression used for emphasis or to convey strong emotions like frustration or surprise, not directly related to the literal meaning of bells in hell.

Ding-dong battle

A fiercely contested or closely fought competition or argument.

Example: The championship game turned into a real ding-dong battle, with both teams playing exceptionally well.

Note: The phrase 'ding-dong battle' uses the repetitive sound of a bell ringing to describe a back-and-forth, intense contest or argument.

Throw someone a curveball

To surprise or challenge someone with something unexpected or difficult.

Example: The new project requirements really threw me a curveball; I wasn't expecting so many changes.

Note: The phrase 'throw someone a curveball' is unrelated to bells but uses the metaphor of a baseball pitch that moves unexpectedly to describe surprising or challenging situations.

Bell everyday (slang) expressions

bells and whistles

Refers to extra features or enhancements that are non-essential but add value or attractiveness to something.

Example: The new computer comes with all the bells and whistles, including a touchscreen and virtual reality capabilities.

Note: The original word 'bell' signifies a musical instrument or a device that produces a ringing sound, while 'bells and whistles' are additional features or enhancements unrelated to the sound of a bell.

get the bell out of here

Used for emphasis to convey disbelief or frustration, similar to 'get the hell out of here'.

Example: When the teacher announced a pop quiz, the students shouted, 'Get the bell out of here!'

Note: The slang term 'bell' is used as a euphemism for 'hell' to soften the profanity in this expression.

bell ends

A derogatory term, often used in the UK, to insult someone by implying they are foolish or unlikable.

Example: The group of rowdy teenagers were causing trouble in the park, shouting insults and calling each other 'bell ends'.

Note: The slang term 'bell ends' uses 'bell' as a derogatory insult, unrelated to the literal meaning of a bell.

bellboy

A term for a hotel employee who assists guests with luggage and other tasks.

Example: The hotel bellboy helped carry the luggage to the guest's room.

Note: The original word 'bell' refers to a musical instrument, while 'bellboy' is a compound term specific to the hospitality industry.

ring one’s bell

To excite, impress, or appeal to someone, often used in reference to something that brings joy or entertainment.

Example: The comedian's jokes really ring my bell, I can't stop laughing!

Note: The slang term 'ring one’s bell' figuratively refers to evoking a positive emotional response, unlike the literal function of the bell instrument.

bell-ringer

Describes something that is exceptionally impressive, excellent, or striking.

Example: He delivered a speech that was a real bell-ringer, leaving the audience inspired and moved.

Note: The slang term 'bell-ringer' extends the metaphor of a bell ringing loudly to signify something remarkable or outstanding.

toll the bell

To ring a bell slowly and solemnly, typically in mourning or as a memorial gesture.

Example: When the news of the tragedy spread, the church decided to toll the bell in remembrance of the victims.

Note: The slang term 'toll the bell' retains the connection to the literal action of ringing a bell but with a specific emotional or symbolic purpose.

Bell - Examples

The bell rang loudly.

The church bell is ringing.

The little girl loves to play with the jingling bell.

Bell grammar

Bell - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)

Lemma: bell

Conjugations

Noun, plural (Noun, plural): bells

Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): bell

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): belled

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): belling

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): bells

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): bell

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): bell

Syllabification and Stress

bell Contains 1 syllables: bell

Phonetic transcription: ˈbel

bell , ˈbel (The red syllable is stressed)

Bell - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

bell: ~ 2800 (Very common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Back

Search area