First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1bell
noun \ˈbel\
Definition of BELL
1
a : a hollow metallic device that gives off a reverberating sound when struck b : doorbell
2
a : the sounding of a bell as a signal b : a stroke of a bell (as on shipboard) to indicate the time; also : the time so indicated c : a half hour period of a watch on shipboard indicated by the strokes of a bell — see ship's bells table below
3
: something having the form of a bell: as a : the corolla of a flower b : a bell-shaped organ or part (as the umbrella of a jellyfish or the dewlap of a moose) c : the part of the capital of a column between the abacus and neck molding d : the flared end of a wind instrument
4
a : a percussion instrument consisting of metal bars or tubes that when struck give out tones resembling bells —usually used in plural b : glockenspiel
bell table
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Origin of BELL
Middle English belle, from Old English; perhaps akin to Old English bellan to roar — more at bellow
2bell
verb
Definition of BELL
transitive verb
1
: to provide with a bell
2
: to flare the end of (as a tube) into the shape of a bell
intransitive verb
: to take the form of a bell : flare
— bell the cat
: to do a daring or risky deed
First Known Use of BELL
14th century
3bell
verb
Definition of BELL
intransitive verb
: to make a resonant bellowing or baying sound <the wild buck bells from ferny brake — Sir Walter Scott>
Origin of BELL
Middle English, from Old English bellan
First Known Use: before 12th century
4bell
noun
Bell
biographical name \ˈbel\
Definition of BELL
Alexander Graham 1847–1922 Am. (Scot.-born) inventor
Bell
geographical name \ˈbel\
Definition of BELL
city SW California SE of Los Angeles pop 35,477
BELL Defined for Kids
bell
noun \ˈbel\
Definition of BELL for Kids
1
: a hollow metallic device that is shaped somewhat like a cup and makes a ringing sound when struck
2
: doorbell
3
: the stroke or sound of a bell that tells the hour
4
: the time indicated by the stroke of a bell
5
: a half-hour period of watch on shipboard
6
: something shaped like a bell <the bell of a trumpet>
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