bell
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for bell, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A hollow metal instrument, often shaped like a cup, that rings when struck.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use bell
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English belle, related to Germanic words for "bell" across Dutch, German, and the Scandinavian languages.
Full origin of bell →Frequently asked questions
What does “bell” mean?
The word “bell” means a hollow metal instrument, often shaped like a cup, that rings when struck. In plain terms, a hollow object that rings when struck, or to give something a bell-like shape.
How do you pronounce “bell”?
“Bell” is pronounced behl (/bɛl/ in IPA).
How do you use “bell” in a sentence?
Here is “bell” used in a sentence: “The church bell rang out across the valley at noon.”
What part of speech is “bell”?
Depending on how it is used, “bell” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “bell” come from?
The word “bell” comes from Old English. From Old English belle, related to Germanic words for "bell" across Dutch, German, and the Scandinavian languages.
Is “bell” a common word?
“Bell” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “bell” have?
“Bell” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a hollow metal instrument, often shaped like a cup, that rings when struck.
How does a bell make sound?
When a bell is struck — by a swinging clapper inside, a hammer, or a hand — the metal vibrates rapidly. Those vibrations push against the surrounding air and travel to our ears as sound. A bell's cup shape lets it resonate, which is why the note rings on and fades slowly.
What are the types of bells?
Bells come in many forms: large church and tower bells rung for services, small handbells, doorbells, school bells, sleigh bells and cowbells. Some are struck by an internal clapper, others by an outside hammer or an electric mechanism, but all share the same job of producing a clear, ringing sound.
What is a bell traditionally made of?
Most traditional bells are cast from bell metal, a form of bronze that is an alloy of roughly four parts copper to one part tin. This mix is prized because it is hard, durable and resonates well, giving a rich, long-lasting tone. Smaller or modern bells may use brass, steel or other metals.