bell

UK: bɛl | US: bɛl

Definition

  1. n. a hollow metal object, typically cup-shaped, that produces a ringing sound when struck

  2. n. a device that emits a ringing or buzzing sound as a signal (e.g., doorbell)

  3. n. (poetic) the sound of a bell

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "bell" traces back to Old English belle, derived from Proto-Germanic bellǭ, likely imitative in origin—reflecting the resonant sound it produces. Its structure has remained compact over centuries, with no separable morphemes in modern English.

Examples

  1. The church bell chimed at noon.

  2. She pressed the doorbell and waited.

  3. The bell’s echo faded into the distance.

  4. A bell rang to signal the end of class.

  5. The ship’s bell tolled in the fog.