peal
a loud, prolonged ringing of bells.
a set of bells tuned to one another.
a series of changes rung on a set of bells.
any loud, sustained sound or series of sounds, as of cannon, thunder, applause, or laughter.
to sound loudly and sonorously: to peal the bells of a tower.
Obsolete. to assail with loud sounds.
to sound forth in a peal; resound.
Origin of peal
1Other words for peal
Other words from peal
- in·ter·peal, verb (used with object)
- un·pealed, adjective
Words that may be confused with peal
- peal , peel
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use peal in a sentence
Bells were pealing and tolling in all directions, and the air was filled with the sound of distant shouts and cries.
Davy and The Goblin | Charles E. CarrylIn Manila particularly, amidst the pealing of bells and strains of music, unfeigned enthusiasm and joy were everywhere evident.
The Philippine Islands | John Foreman“But she may be happy,” Lady Engleton suggested when the ceremony was over, and the organ was pealing out the wedding march.
The Daughters of Danaus | Mona CairdNever before was the sky more blue, the air more sweet, the village church bells' pealing merrier.
God Wills It! | William Stearns DavisStill the Bells, pealing forth their changes, made the very air spin.
British Dictionary definitions for peal (1 of 2)
/ (piːl) /
a loud prolonged usually reverberating sound, as of bells, thunder, or laughter
bell-ringing a series of changes rung in accordance with specific rules, consisting of not fewer than 5000 permutations in a ring of eight bells
(not in technical usage) the set of bells in a belfry
(intr) to sound with a peal or peals
(tr) to give forth loudly and sonorously
(tr) to ring (bells) in peals
Origin of peal
1British Dictionary definitions for peal (2 of 2)
/ (piːl) /
a dialect name for a grilse or a young sea trout
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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