cowbell

American  

[kou-bel] / ˈkaʊˌbɛl /

noun

1. a bell hung around a cow's neck to indicate its whereabouts.

2. the bladder campion.

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cowbell British  

/ ˈkaʊˌbɛl /

noun

1. a bell hung around a cow's neck so that the cow can be easily located

2. a metal percussion instrument usually mounted on the bass drum or hand-held and struck with a drumstick

3. another name for bladder campion

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Etymology

Origin of cowbell

First recorded in 1805–15; cow ¹ + bell ¹

Example Sentences

But much of the nation is sick of the cowbell, crying out for some economic harmony.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

"The most important thing isn't to win but to take part," she insisted, hoisting the victory cowbell aloft and giving it a ring.

From Barron's • Oct. 20, 2025

An up-tempo rocker, full of showboating guitar chords and an extremely 1980s cowbell, Hot For You, Baby is a prime example of Turner's raspy, physical style of soul.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2025

At least one interview subject is surprised to find out that Ferrell's cowbell master Gene Frenkle isn't a real person.

From Salon • Jan. 16, 2025

We spelled each other down to the continual clang of the cowbell and wore the dictionary out, looking up meanings.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck