Bell

English Meaning

A hollow metallic vessel, usually shaped somewhat like a cup with a flaring mouth, containing a clapper or tongue, and giving forth a ringing sound on being struck.

1. A hollow metal musical instrument, usually cup-shaped with a flared opening, that emits a metallic tone when struck.
2. Something resembling such an instrument in shape or sound, as:
3. The round, flared opening of a wind instrument at the opposite end from the mouthpiece.
4. A percussion instrument consisting of metal tubes or bars that emit tones when struck.
5. A hollow, usually inverted vessel, such as one used for diving deep below the surface of a body of water.
6. The corolla of a flower: "In a cowslip's bell I lie” ( Shakespeare).
7. Nautical A stroke on a hollow metal instrument to mark the hour.
8. Nautical The time indicated by the striking of this instrument, divided into half hours.
9. To put a bell on.
10. To cause to flare like a bell.
11. To assume the form of a bell; flare.
12. bell the cat To perform a daring act.
13. The bellowing or baying cry of certain animals, such as a deer in rut or a beagle on the hunt.
14. To utter long, deep, resonant sounds; bellow.