bel

¹ American  

[bel] / bɛl /

noun

Physics.

1. a unit of power ratio, equal to 10 decibels.

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bel ² American  

[bel] / bɛl /

noun

1. bael.

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Bel. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. Belgian.

2. Belgic.

3. Belgium.

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bel ¹ British  

/ bɛl /

noun

1. Symbols: B.   b.  a unit for comparing two power levels, equal to the logarithm to the base ten of the ratio of the two powers See also decibel

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Bel ² British  

/ beɪl /

noun

1. (in Babylonian and Assyrian mythology) the god of the earth

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bel Scientific  

/ bĕl /

1. A unit of measurement equal to ten decibels.

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Etymology

Origin of bel

First recorded in 1925–30; named after A. G. Bell

Example Sentences

Like the two other bel canto works presented by the company so far this season—the new production of Bellini’s “La Sonnambula” and a revival of Donizetti’s “La Fille du Régiment”—it was luxuriously cast and conducted.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

Her voice settled down in the second act, and she brought an appropriately old-fashioned feeling to “Un bel di,” her anticipation of a fine day as hopelessly unreal as everything on the stage.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 25, 2024

“Barber” is one of the most famous operas written in the bel canto style.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 2024

Born in New York in December 1923 to Greek parents, Callas was credited with reviving almost single-handedly the Italian bel canto vocal technique.

From Reuters • Nov. 9, 2023

The goblet will still be in his room tomorrow, it must bel Let him hide it ever so well, I will find it somehow.

From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw