How Do You Spell BELL?

Pronunciation: [bˈɛl] (IPA)

The word "bell" is spelled with two consonants and one vowel. The consonants are b and l, while the vowel is e. The phonetic transcription of "bell" is /bɛl/, where the first sound is a voiced bilabial plosive, the second is a mid-front unrounded vowel, and the last one is a voiceless alveolar lateral approximant. The spelling follows the basic rules of English spelling, where each sound is represented by one or more letters. "Bell" is also a commonly used word, referring to a hollow instrument that produces a ringing sound when struck.

BELL Meaning and Definition

  1. A bell is a hollow, cup-shaped metallic instrument that emits a clear, resonant sound when struck or rung. It typically consists of a rounded body with a narrow mouth at one end, and often has a clapper suspended inside. Bells are usually made of metal, such as bronze or brass, but can also be crafted from other materials like glass or ceramic. They come in different sizes and shapes, from small handbells to large church bells.

    Bells are commonly used for various purposes in different cultures and contexts. They are frequently associated with religious or ceremonial practices and are found in temples, churches, and other places of worship. They often play a significant role in signaling the start or end of religious services, invoking divine presence, or marking special occasions like weddings or funerals.

    Beyond religious or ceremonial use, bells have a wide range of practical applications. They have historically been employed as warning devices, alerting people to danger, such as fires, storms, or approaching enemy forces. On ships, bells are used to indicate time, signaling the start or end of shifts or watch periods for sailors.

    Bells also hold symbolic and cultural significance. They can represent unity, celebration, peace, or warning, depending on the context. Moreover, bells have inspired idiomatic expressions, such as "to ring a bell" – meaning to trigger recognition or familiarity – or "as clear as a bell" – referring to a particularly distinct or resonant sound.

  2. • A hollow body producing musical sounds when struck; anything expanding mouth outwards like a bell, as the cups of flowers.
    • To grow in the form of bells; to make a loud noise.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for BELL *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for BELL

Etymology of BELL

The word "bell" comes from the Old English word "belle" or "bella", which can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic word "belan" or "bellan", meaning "to ring" or "to make a loud, hollow noise". This Proto-Germanic root is connected to the Latin word "bullire", meaning "to boil" or "bubble", as in the bubbling sound produced by a boiling liquid. Over the centuries, "bell" has retained its association with the sound it produces when struck or rung, and it has become a widely recognized term universally referring to various types of resonating, hollow instruments used to produce a distinctive sound.

Idioms with the word BELL

  • saved by the bell The idiom "saved by the bell" refers to being rescued or saved from a difficult or potentially embarrassing situation at the very last moment or just in the nick of time. The phrase originates from the sport of boxing, where if a boxer is about to be counted out (be knocked out) but the bell to signal the end of the round rings before the referee completes the count, the boxer is considered saved by the bell.
  • ring the bell The idiom "ring the bell" means to achieve something noteworthy or extraordinary, often used in the context of accomplishing a specific goal or reaching a significant milestone.
  • bell the cat To "bell the cat" means to undertake a difficult or dangerous task, often involving the assumption of personal risk or responsibility. The idiom is derived from the fable "Belling the Cat," which tells the story of a group of mice who come up with a plan to tie a bell around a cat's neck in order to be warned of its approach. However, none of the mice are willing to take on the dangerous task. Therefore, "bell the cat" refers to the act of stepping forward and courageously confronting a daunting challenge.
  • bell the cat, who will The idiom "bell the cat, who will?" refers to a situation where a risky or dangerous task needs to be done, but no one is willing to take on the responsibility or the danger associated with it. It often implies that even though a necessary action has been identified, nobody is willing to step forward and undertake it.
  • Ma Bell The idiom "Ma Bell" refers to the former nickname of the American telecommunications company AT&T. It symbolizes the dominant and influential status that AT&T had in the American telecommunications industry, particularly during its monopoly era from the late 19th century until its divestiture in 1984. The term "Ma Bell" is commonly used to represent the idea of a powerful and controlling entity in the telecommunications field.
  • ring (someone's) bell The idiom "ring (someone's) bell" means to cause someone to be reminded of or to recall something or someone familiar, often with a strong emotional reaction or sense of recognition. It can also refer to creating an impression or gaining someone's attention.
  • (as) sound as a bell The idiom "(as) sound as a bell" means to be in perfect condition, with nothing wrong or broken. It refers to something or someone that is robust, sturdy, and functioning optimally.
  • give sb a bell The idiom "give sb a bell" means to call or telephone someone.
  • answer the bell The idiom "answer the bell" means to respond or act quickly and efficiently when called upon or in times of need or opportunity. It originates from boxing, where fighters are expected to come to the center of the ring and be ready when the bell rings to start a round. This idiom is often used to convey the idea of being prepared, reliable, and responsive when faced with a challenge or task.
  • (as) clear as a bell The idiom "(as) clear as a bell" means something that is easily understood, expressed, or obvious. It refers to a clear and distinct sound that a bell produces, indicating that something is unambiguous and perfectly comprehensible.
  • bear away the bell The idiom "bear away the bell" refers to achieving victory or recognition, often in a competition or contest. It originates from the tradition of awarding a bell to the winner in certain sports or challenges, symbolizing their triumph. Thus, "bearing away the bell" implies being the best or leading in a particular area or endeavor.
  • ring any bells, at ring a bell The idiom "ring any bells" or "ring a bell" is used when something sounds familiar or strikes a chord in someone's memory. It implies recalling or recognizing something that has been previously heard or experienced.
  • alarm bell The idiom "alarm bell" is often used to describe a strong warning or indication of danger or trouble. It comes from the image of a bell ringing loudly to alert people of an emergency, signaling the need for immediate attention or action to address a potential problem.
  • give (someone) a bell The idiom "give (someone) a bell" means to make a phone call or contact someone by telephone. It suggests the act of reaching out or communicating with someone via a phone call.
  • you can't unring a bell The idiom "you can't unring a bell" means that once something has been said or done, it cannot be taken back or undone. It refers to the irreversible consequences or effects of certain actions or statements.
  • bell, book, and candle things that are miraculous or that signal that The idiom "bell, book, and candle" refers to things that are miraculous or serve as signals that something extraordinary or supernatural is happening. It originates from a Catholic ritual known as the "Rite of Excommunication" or "Excommunication by Bell, Book, and Candle," which was performed to officially expel someone from the church. In this ritual, a bell would be tolled, a book of prayers and curses would be opened, and a candle would be extinguished, symbolizing the removal of the person from the church community. The idiom "bell, book, and candle" has since been used metaphorically to describe extraordinary events, mystical occurrences, or situations that defy normal expectations or beliefs.
  • bell, book, and candle things that are miraculous or that signal that sth The idiom "bell, book, and candle" refers to ancient Catholic excommunication rituals. These rituals involved ringing a bell, reciting specific prayers from a book, and extinguishing a candle to symbolize the banishment of a person from the church. However, the idiom has evolved and is now commonly used to describe things that are considered miraculous or signal that something extraordinary or mysterious is happening. It implies a sense of awe, wonder, or supernatural occurrence.
  • get (one's) bell rung The idiom "get (one's) bell rung" refers to experiencing a sudden, forceful blow or impact to the head, usually resulting in a temporary loss of consciousness or dizziness. It is often used to describe the effect of a severe hit or injury to the head, causing a person to become disoriented or stunned.
  • ring a bell The idiom "ring a bell" means to sound familiar or to trigger a memory or recognition of something or someone.
  • sound as a bell The idiom "sound as a bell" refers to something or someone that is in perfect working condition, physically or mentally, without any flaws or issues. It signifies being healthy, strong, and without any defects.
  • unring a bell The idiom "unring a bell" refers to the impossibility of undoing or forgetting something that has already been said, done, or experienced. It signifies that once a certain knowledge or event has been revealed, it cannot be erased or undone.
  • give (one) a bell The idiom "give (one) a bell" means to call or telephone someone. It is used to express the idea of contacting someone via a phone call.
  • clear as a bell The idiom "clear as a bell" means that something is extremely clear or easy to understand, often with regards to sound or communication. It implies that the information or message being conveyed is unmistakable, precise, and easily comprehensible, similar to the distinct and unambiguous sound of a bell ringing.
  • unring the bell The idiom "unring the bell" refers to the impossibility of undoing or retracting something that has already been said or done. It signifies the inability to reverse the consequences or implications of a particular action or statement.
  • give somebody a bell The idiom "give somebody a bell" means to call or telephone someone.
  • as clear (or sound) as a bell The idiom "as clear (or sound) as a bell" means that something is unmistakably clear, loud, and easily understood. It implies that there is no ambiguity or confusion, and the information or communication is crystal clear, like the sound produced by a bell ringing.
  • be as sound as a bell The phrase "be as sound as a bell" means to be in excellent condition, both physically and mentally, without any flaws or problems. It suggests that something or someone is well-functioning, reliable, and completely trustworthy. Just as a bell produces a clear, resonant sound when struck, being "as sound as a bell" implies that there are no faults or weaknesses.
  • bell out
  • bell, book, and candle things that are miraculous or that signal that something The idiom "bell, book, and candle" refers to things that are miraculous or signal that something extraordinary is happening or about to happen. It is often used to describe a mysterious or supernatural event.
  • bell, book, and candle The phrase "bell, book, and candle" is used to describe a process of excommunication or denouncing someone or something as being evil or outside the church's teachings. It comes from the Catholic Church's traditional method of excommunicating someone by ringing a bell, closing a book, and extinguishing a candle to symbolize their separation from the church.
  • bear the bell To be the leader or to take responsibility for something.

Similar spelling words for BELL

Plural form of BELL is BELLS

Conjugate verb Bell

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have belled
you would have belled
he/she/it would have belled
we would have belled
they would have belled
I would have bell
you would have bell
he/she/it would have bell
we would have bell
they would have bell

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been belling
you would have been belling
he/she/it would have been belling
we would have been belling
they would have been belling

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would bell
you would bell
he/she/it would bell
we would bell
they would bell

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be belling
you would be belling
he/she/it would be belling
we would be belling
they would be belling

FUTURE

I will bell
you will bell
he/she/it will bell
we will bell
they will bell

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be belling
you will be belling
he/she/it will be belling
we will be belling
they will be belling

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have belled
you will have belled
he/she/it will have belled
we will have belled
they will have belled

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been belling
you will have been belling
he/she/it will have been belling
we will have been belling
they will have been belling

IMPERATIVE

you bell
we let´s bell

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to bell

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was belling
you were belling
he/she/it was belling
we were belling
they were belling

PAST PARTICIPLE

belled

PAST PERFECT

I had belled
you had belled
he/she/it had belled
we had belled
they had belled

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been belling
you had been belling
he/she/it had been belling
we had been belling
they had been belling

PRESENT

I bell
you bell
he/she/it bells
we bell
they bell

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am belling
you are belling
he/she/it is belling
we are belling
they are belling

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

belling

PRESENT PERFECT

I have belled
you have belled
he/she/it has belled
we have belled
they have belled

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been belling
you have been belling
he/she/it has been belling
we have been belling
they have been belling

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it bell

SIMPLE PAST

I belled
you belled
he/she/it belled
we belled
they belled

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