Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

church bell

noun

Definition of church bell

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

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!

First Known Use of church bell

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about church bell

Statistics for church bell

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for church bell

The first known use of church bell was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Comments on church bell

What made you want to look up church bell? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

kludge

Listen to the pronounciation of kludge

a haphazard or makeshift solution

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Summer 2019 Words of the Day Quiz

  • a-bowl-of-peach-sorbet-with-cut-peaches-next-to-it
  • Which is a synonym of desideratum?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games