handbell

noun

hand·​bell ˈhan(d)-ˌbel How to pronounce handbell (audio)
: a small bell with a handle
especially : one of a set tuned in a scale for musical performance

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Crandell Ringers handbell choir will take a break until February. Becca Martin-brown, Arkansas Online, 24 Dec. 2022 Also new, the Celebration Ringers handbell choir will perform a concert near the gazebo after the fireworks. Shirley Macfarland, cleveland, 11 Nov. 2022 The concert is the retreat center’s biggest event of the year and features more than 80 vocalists, 20 instrumentalists, and adult, chamber, handbell, and children’s choirs. courant.com, 3 Dec. 2021 The free event will feature music ensembles, a handbell ensemble, and a chamber orchestra. Myrna Petlicki, chicagotribune.com, 19 Nov. 2021 Also that day, the Lions Club plans a memorial ceremony at the USS Lexington Memorial, the Hancock Church presents a handbell concert, and The First Parish Church in Lexington offers a talk on the events of April 19, 1775, all virtual. BostonGlobe.com, 16 Apr. 2021 The creation of the handbell choir at Avon Middle School happened due to a chance meeting. Linda Gandee, cleveland, 23 Dec. 2020 The man who rings a handbell to signify the garbage truck is here, and you’d better carry yours outside. Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 7 May 2020 My kids have handbells and choir every Wednesday night. Emma Austin, The Courier-Journal, 11 Mar. 2020 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'handbell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of handbell was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near handbell

Cite this Entry

“Handbell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handbell. Accessed 4 Jun. 2023.

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