Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Peal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ””
Add to dictionary

peal

[piหl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound

A loud prolonged ringing of bells.

Synonyms

chime, clang, ringing, toll.

Examples of usage

  • The peal of church bells filled the air.
  • We could hear the peal of laughter from the children playing outside.
  • The peal of thunder echoed through the valley.
  • The peal of the doorbell announced the arrival of guests.
  • The peal of the phone woke me up from a deep sleep.
Context #2 | Verb

sound

To ring loudly and clearly.

Synonyms

chime, clang, ring, toll.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
peal

Best used to describe the loud and resonant sound of bells, usually in a series or in celebration.

  • The peal of wedding bells could be heard throughout the town.
  • A peal of laughter erupted from the crowd.
ring

Used to describe the clear, resonant sound made by a bell or similar instrument, often singular or short in duration.

  • The telephone began to ring.
  • Her laughter had a joyful ring to it.
chime

Used when describing the harmonious or pleasant sound of bells or small metal objects, often in a repetitive pattern.

  • The church bells chime every hour.
  • The wind chime sang gently in the breeze.
toll

Used for the slow, solemn, and repeated sound of a bell, often associated with funerals or marking the passage of time.

  • The funeral bells began to toll.
  • The church clock tolled midnight.
clang

Appropriate for describing a loud, harsh, and metallic sound, often with a negative connotation.

  • The gate shut with a clang.
  • She dropped the pot, and it hit the floor with a loud clang.

Examples of usage

  • The bells pealed out across the town.
  • The laughter of the children pealed through the playground.
  • The thunder pealed in the distance.
  • The doorbell pealed, signaling the end of the meeting.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • In medieval Europe, peals of bells were often used to announce important events like victories or royal births.
  • Cathedrals would sometimes coordinate peals of bells to signal various time marks throughout the day.
  • Loud peals of church bells once acted as a communal alert system for warnings, celebrations, and timekeeping.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, peals of bells symbolize joy and celebration, often ringing during weddings or festivals.
  • During New Year's celebrations, bell peals are heard worldwide, marking the transition into a new year.
  • In literature, the sound of bells has been used to create atmosphere, symbolizing events from happiness to foreboding.

Science

  • The sound of bell peals is produced through vibration, creating waves in the air that our ears interpret as sound.
  • Different sized bells produce different pitches, resulting in melodic peals that harmonize beautifully.
  • Acoustics, the science of sound, explains how bell peals travel over distances, with larger spaces amplifying the sound.

Art and Literature

  • Famous poets like Alfred Lord Tennyson have referenced bell peals to evoke emotions and settings in their works.
  • In painting, artists often illustrate bell towers ringing, capturing the essence of time and community.
  • Many songs and hymns feature bell peals, symbolizing hope, celebration, and the passage of time.

Origin of 'peal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'peal' comes from the Old English word 'pรฆlan,' which means to ring, especially bells.
  • It originally referred to the sound of bells but later included resonances of any loud noise.
  • In the 14th century, the term began to denote the sequence or series of bell rings.

The word 'peal' originated from the Middle English word 'pelen' which means to ring out. It has been used since the 14th century to describe the loud ringing of bells or any loud, clear sound. The association of 'peal' with the ringing of bells is derived from the Old English word 'pyllan' which means to summon with a bell. Over the centuries, 'peal' has retained its connection to the sound of bells, becoming a common term used in various contexts to describe loud and clear ringing sounds.

See also: pealing.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,429, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.