church bell

noun

1

: a large metal bell

especially : one cast in traditional shape and producing a true bell tone

2

: an instrument (as an organ stop) imitating the sound of church bells

—usually used in plural compare cathedral chimes

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!