cowbell

noun

cow·​bell ˈkau̇-ˌbel How to pronounce cowbell (audio)
: a bell hung around the neck of a cow to make a sound by which the cow can be located

Examples of cowbell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are working rooms with tools for cheese-making, weaving, black- and lock-smithing, along with hunting rifles and plenty of cowbells in all sizes and with elaborate leather collars. John Oseid, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Guests were then ushered to dinner with traditional Swiss cowbells. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 June 2025 Just sit back and drink your coffee to the tune of tinkling cowbells across the valley. John Oseid, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 There were white towels waving, phone lights flashing, cowbells ringing (including the first-period ceremonial bell rung by Hornets legend Kemba Walker) and mid-match dance parties. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for cowbell

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cowbell was in 1625

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Cite this Entry

“Cowbell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cowbell. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

cowbell

noun
cow·​bell ˈkau̇-ˌbel How to pronounce cowbell (audio)
: a bell hung about the neck of a cow to indicate its whereabouts
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