Cowbell: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
cowbell
[ kaสหbษl ]
musical instrument
A cowbell is a percussion instrument that consists of a hollow metal bell that is struck with a mallet. Traditionally, cowbells are used in pastoral settings to keep track of livestock, particularly cows, while they graze in the fields. In addition to their functional use, cowbells have gained popularity in various musical genres, including folk, rock, and country music. The sound produced by a cowbell is sharp and resonant, making it a distinctive addition to musical arrangements. They are often played in bands and orchestras to add rhythm and texture.
Synonyms
bell, clang, percussion.
Examples of usage
- The band used a cowbell to add a unique sound to their performance.
- During the festival, you could hear the ringing of cowbells echoing in the distance.
- The famous 'More cowbell!' sketch from SNL increased the popularity of this instrument.
- He practiced playing the cowbell every day to improve his timing.
- In some traditional cultures, cowbells are used in ceremonies and celebrations.
Translations
Translations of the word "cowbell" in other languages:
๐ต๐น sino de vaca
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคพเคฏ เคเฅ เคเคเคเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Kuhglocke
๐ฎ๐ฉ lonceng sapi
๐บ๐ฆ ะบะพัะพะฒ'ััะฐ ะดะทะฒัะฝะบะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ dzwon krowi
๐ฏ๐ต ็ใฎ้ด
๐ซ๐ท cloche de vache
๐ช๐ธ campana de vaca
๐น๐ท inek รงanฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ์๋ฒจ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฌุฑุณ ุงูุจูุฑุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ kravskรฝ zvon
๐ธ๐ฐ kravskรฝ zvon
๐จ๐ณ ็้
๐ธ๐ฎ kravji zvonec
๐ฎ๐ธ kรบrvรถnd
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะธัั าะพาฃััะฐัั
๐ฌ๐ช แซแ แแฎแแก แแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ inษk zษngi
๐ฒ๐ฝ campana de vaca
Etymology
The term 'cowbell' originates from the compound words 'cow' and 'bell', referring directly to its function of being a bell used for livestock, particularly cows. The earliest cowbells were made of bronze or other metals and date back to antiquity, where they were employed in pastoral communities across Europe and Asia. These bells allowed farmers to hear the location of their animals over long distances. Over time, cowbells transitioned from functional objects to musical instruments. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cowbells became popular in folk music, particularly in Switzerland and other Alpine regions. The iconic sound of the cowbell has cemented its place in various musical styles, leading to its playful mention in pop culture, particularly in the 2000s with the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live. Thus, the cowbell has evolved from a necessity in agriculture to a cherished element of musical expression, recognized by audiences worldwide.