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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

"They are to be Canterbury bells really," explained Josephine to Miss Ashwell as the lemonade was being served and the rest of the tags were being passed about so that they might all be read.

From Judy of York Hill by Ethel Hume Bennett

Flowers, flowers everywhere, Canterbury bells, and sunflowers, roses, lilies and lavender.

From More Tales in the Land of Nursery Rhyme by Ada M. Marzials

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