Bell
/bɛl/noun
A hollow object that rings when struck or shaken, or a sound like that made by one.
Did you know?The English word bell is likely related to an ancient Germanic root meaning “to roar” or “to bellow,” which is why its history is tied to loud, commanding sound rather than the metal object itself.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰel-
“to sound loud, roar, or bellow”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*bellaną
“to roar, bellow”
Old English
English
bellan
“to roar, resound”
Old English
English
belle
“a bell, especially a church bell”
Modern English
English
bell
“a hollow metal instrument that rings when struck”