peal

1 of 2

noun

ˈpēl 

1

a

: the loud ringing of bells

the peal of wedding bells

b

: a complete set of changes (see change entry 2 sense 6) on a given number of bells

c

: a set of bells tuned to the tones of the major (see major entry 1 sense 7a) scale for change ringing

2

: a loud sound or succession of sounds

peals of laughter

peals of thunder

peal

2 of 2

verb

pealed; pealing; peals

intransitive verb

: to give out peals

transitive verb

: to utter or give forth loudly

Synonyms

Verb

• bong
• chime
• knell
• ring
• toll

Examples of peal in a Sentence

Noun

the peal of wedding bells

Verb

the village bells pealed every hour in commemoration

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Within hours of arriving, what sounded like a distant peal of thunder rolled in—in this case, the rumble of a harmless, but still awe-inspiring, small-scale avalanche. —Samantha Falewée, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2024

Many of the ringers wore earplugs or headphones to muffle the deafening peals. —Joseph Wilson, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 July 2024

Verb

What other unique design features are a part of the new St. Charles? Another feature of the church people can enjoy, Cattani said, are four large bells in the church's bell tower that peal throughout the day as well as for weddings and funerals. —Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2024

Minutes later, more explosions peal through the air, as the Israeli military responds to the source of the fire. —Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English, appeal, summons to church, short for appel appeal, from appelen to appeal

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1593, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

peal

noun

ˈpē(ə)l

1

: the loud ringing of bells

2

: a loud sound or series of sounds

a peal of laughter

a peal of thunder

peal verb