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
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Cheval Blanc Courchevel’s mustard exterior suggests a traditional, Savoyard scene of reindeer rugs and bannisters carved with twee hearts and cowbells inside. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026 This year, graduate workers who are on strike picketed in Harvard Yard, blaring vuvuzela horns, drums and cowbells whenever an administrator spoke. Michael Casey, Fortune, 29 May 2026 Ferrell, who also wrote the skit, starred as cowbell player Gene Frenkle for the Blue Öyster Cult band. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026 The festival also features a Junkanoo Parade, which features street performance filled with vibrant costumes, rhythmic drumming, horns, and cowbells. Taryn White, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 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 6 Jun. 2026.

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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