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.
Outside is a serene garden under a canopy of branches weighed down by iridescent copper bells, all handmade.
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
“This is the door to the ballroom,” he said, pointing to the future entrance to the $400 million addition to the White House, elaborating on all the bells and whistles the building will have.
From Slate • Apr. 30, 2026
A survey by the polling firm Datafolha published on April 11 sent alarm bells ringing throughout the Lula camp.
From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026
The pair smuggled a harmonica and a set of small bells during the Gemini 6A mission.
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
Even in all the shouting and confusion, and the bells of useless fire brigades, she could have sworn she heard her love’s heartbeat, could have sworn she heard her call out from inside.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
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.
