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Bells Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bells

[bɛlz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound

Bells are musical instruments that produce a ringing sound when struck. They are commonly used in churches, schools, and other buildings for various purposes.

Synonyms

bong, chimes, toll.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bells

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.
chimes

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.
bong

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.
toll

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.

Examples of usage

  • The church bells rang out to announce the wedding.
  • The school bell signaled the end of the class.
Context #2 | Noun

instrument

Bells can also refer to the hollow metal objects that make a ringing noise when struck, typically used as musical instruments or for decoration.

Synonyms

bong, chimes, gongs.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bells

Often used metaphorically to indicate something warning or alerting.

  • Her words set off alarm bells in my mind
chimes

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
gongs

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
bong

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

Examples of usage

  • She played a beautiful melody on the bells.
  • The sleigh bells jingled as the horse trotted.
Context #3 | Verb

sound

As a verb, bells can mean to make the ringing sound associated with bells.

Synonyms

chime, ring, tinkle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bells

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.
chime

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.
ring

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.
tinkle

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.

Examples of usage

  • The alarm clock bells chimed at 6 AM.
  • The wind bells tinkled softly in the breeze.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'bells'

The word 'bells' originated from the Old English word 'bellan' which meant 'to bellow or make a loud noise'. Bells have been used for centuries in various cultures for communication, religious ceremonies, and musical purposes. The iconic shape and sound of bells have made them a symbol of celebration, warning, and harmony.

See also: bell, bellfry, bellhop, bellicose, bellow.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,559 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.