bells
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of bells
1965–70; by shortening of the full phrase, as in shorts from short pants
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.
Bond yields rose this month to levels that are setting off alarm bells across financial markets.
From Barron's • May 22, 2026
Kira Krown, a consumer education specialist at the FTC, says that although scams differ in so many ways, there are a few common characteristics that should set off alarm bells for you.
From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026
Sirens blared, horns honked, and church bells pealed.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026
She suggested he buy little vintage bells that he now cherishes and displays in his home.
From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026
As I fled down the stairs, the clang of fire bells filled my ears.
From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
