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Canterbury bells

American  

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)
  1. a plant, Campanula medium, cultivated for its showy, bell-shaped violet-blue, pink, or white flowers in loose clusters.


Etymology

Origin of Canterbury bells

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

A premiere destination for wildflower viewing, Chino Hills State Park is host to wild hyacinth, poppies, Canterbury bells and redmaids through May.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 17, 2026

Wildflower Hill at the Theodore Payne Foundation Nursery is thriving with a few species of phacelia, including lavender-blue lacy phacelia and violet Canterbury bells.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 17, 2026

If you want to get up close and personal with blankets of goldfields, Canterbury bells, filaree and other native plants, your best bet is to take a hike.

From Los Angeles Times May 10, 2023

And the girls decorated the tables with flowers—blue larkspur and white Canterbury bells.

From The Wouldbegoods by E. (Edith) Nesbit

But to go back to the little front yards: we are sorry to miss them and their tangle or orderliness of roses and larkspur and honeysuckle, Canterbury bells and London pride, lilacs and peonies.

From Deephaven and Selected Stories & Sketches by Sarah Orne Jewett

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