bluebell

noun

blue·​bell ˈblü-ˌbel 

1

: any of various bellflowers

especially : harebell

2

: any of various plants bearing blue bell-shaped flowers: such as

a

: a European herb (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) of the asparagus family having scapose racemes of drooping bell-shaped flowers

called also wild hyacinth

b

bluebells plural : a glabrous erect eastern U.S. herb (Mertensia virginica) of the borage family with entire leaves and showy blue flowers pink in the bud

called also Virginia bluebells

Examples of bluebell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Spanish bluebells contain saponins, which smell and taste like soap, as well as poisonous cardiac glycosides. — ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026

Early spring brought delicate ephemerals like trilliums, bluebells and trout lilies to forest floors. — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 5 Sep. 2026

Other plants toxic to dogs and cats growing in yards across the country include sago palms, foxgloves, bluebells, crocuses, yew, hydrangea and oleanders. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

After adorning the classic sneaker with various flower details including roses, cherry blossoms and bluebells, a new trio of women’s Air Force 1s is blooming at the brink of summer. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 20 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bluebell

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel
• dispel

Kids Definition

bluebell

noun

blue·​bell ˈblü-ˌbel 

: any of various plants (as a harebell) with blue bell-shaped flowers