Bell Meaning
Bell Definition & Usage
A hollow metallic instrument that produces a ringing sound when struck, typically used to signal or announce something.
Examples
- "The church bell rang loudly, signaling the start of the service."
- "I could hear the bell tolling in the distance, announcing the hour."
- "She rang the bell to call for the waiter."
- "The school bell rang, signaling the end of recess."
- "The bell above the door jingled as I entered the shop."
A person or thing that is highly attractive, admired, or impressive.
Examples
- "She's the bell of the ball in that gorgeous dress."
- "The car was a real bell, shiny and new."
- "Everyone at the party was talking about his stunning new watch; it's a real bell."
- "That new restaurant is the bell of the neighborhood, everyone wants to go there."
- "He was the bell of the school, always surrounded by friends and admirers."
To cause a bell to ring, typically by striking it or pulling a rope.
Examples
- "He bellied the rope and sent the bell ringing through the town."
- "I’ll bell the church tower to announce the arrival of the dignitaries."
- "The bell rang out as the volunteers bellied the rope in the town square."
- "They bellowed out, trying to bell the alarm in time for the event."
- "She bellowed a song and rang the bell in celebration."
Cultural Context
Bells have been used since ancient times in many cultures. Originally used for signaling or calling people to gatherings, they have deep religious, social, and cultural significance in various societies. Bells are still widely used in churches, schools, and public spaces for signaling time or events.
The Bell Ringer's Secret
Story
The Bell Ringer's Secret
In the quiet village of Marlowe, a mysterious bell began ringing every night at midnight. It wasn’t the usual bell from the church steeple, but a different, more melodious tone that echoed through the streets. The villagers whispered that it was the 'bell of fortune'—a mystical bell said to bring prosperity to whoever heard its call. One evening, young Alice, curious about the legends of the bell, set out to uncover its source. She had always been fascinated by the church bell, which she could hear ringing in the morning and at the top of every hour, but tonight was different. As she approached the old town square, she noticed a figure standing near the ancient well, pulling the bell’s rope with great care. 'Are you the bell ringer?' Alice asked. The man turned to her, his face illuminated by the glow of the lantern he held. 'I am, but I’m no ordinary bell ringer,' he said with a smile. 'This bell doesn’t just announce the time—it marks the change of fortunes. The bell has a magic all its own.' Alice, intrigued, asked him how it worked. The bell ringer explained that every toll of the bell symbolized a turning point in a person’s life. 'A new beginning, a fresh start,' he said. 'It is a bell of hope, not just a tool to announce the hour.' Alice listened intently as the bell rang again, echoing through the night. She suddenly realized that the mysterious bell had been ringing at pivotal moments in her own life—when she made her best decisions, when she changed paths. The bell had been calling her to new opportunities all along. After hearing this, Alice thanked the bell ringer and promised to spread the word about the bell's true power. From then on, she would always listen for its midnight toll and follow the path it pointed to. The bell became more than just an object of folklore—it was a guide to a better life.
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