Bells: meaning, definitions and examples

A warning or signal, often used metaphorically to indicate alarm or a significant event.

• Her words set off alarm bells in his mind.
• The warning bells started to ring as soon as they saw the dark clouds.

Refers to the melodious and often harmonious sounds produced by smaller bells or musical instruments.

• The wind chimes tinkled softly in the breeze.
• The clock chimes at the quarter-hour, playing a gentle melody.

Describes the deep, resonant sound produced by large bells, especially in a solemn or serious context.

• The grandfather clock bongs every hour.
• We heard the bong of the town's bell tower, marking noon.

Used to describe the slow, repeated ringing of a bell, often associated with mourning or the marking of time in a solemn manner.

• The funeral toll matched the somber mood of the gathering.
• The bell tolled itself out, signaling the end of an era.

Often used metaphorically to indicate something warning or alerting.

• Her words set off alarm bells in my mind

Refers to a series of musical notes played by a set of tuned bells, often associated with clocks, doorbells, or decorative ornaments.

• The wind chimes created a peaceful melody in the garden
• The clock chimed every hour

Used for large, metal percussion instruments that produce a resonant, ringing sound. Often used in orchestras, traditional ceremonies, or as signals.

• The gong signaled the end of the round in the boxing match
• In the temple, a gong was struck to begin the ceremony

Describes a deep, resonant sound often made by large bells, especially in clocks or towers.

• I watched the clock as it struck midnight with a loud bong

Can also be used for describing something that alerts or as a warning sound.

• His phone was ringing off the hook, like it had bells attached to it.
• The school bells indicated the end of the class.

Best used to describe melodic, harmonious sounds often made by clock towers, wind chimes, or similar instruments. It usually has a pleasant and soothing connotation.

• The wind chimes created a melodious sound in the garden.
• At midnight, the church clock began to chime.

Commonly used to describe the act of a bell or a similar device making a sound. Often associated with alarms, notifications, calls, or ceremonies.

• The phone began to ring just as we sat down for dinner.
• She heard the doorbell ring and went to open the door.

Ideal for describing light, delicate, or high-pitched sounds. Often it refers to the subtle sound of small bells, glass or tiny metallic objects. It can also be used to describe the gentle sound of water.

• The fairy's laughter had a soft tinkle to it.
• She heard the tinkle of the wind chimes as a breeze passed by.