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 THE CAT 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>
Learn More About BELL
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Seen & Heard
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