noun
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a bell hung around a cow's neck so that the cow can be easily located
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a metal percussion instrument usually mounted on the bass drum or hand-held and struck with a drumstick
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another name for bladder campion
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of cowbell
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:
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
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
He’s aiming for the people who just want more cowbell.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2024
A cowbell clanged above the door as we went inside.
From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool
Expect giant screens, excellent lager, cowbells and free food at halftime.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026
In a room filled with pounding noises and clanging cowbells, L.A.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 1, 2026
Von Allmen, however, was a picture of celebration after his storming run, the large number of baying Swiss fans in the packed tribune wildly applauding their hero, flags waved, cowbells heaved and air horns blown.
From Barron's ● Feb. 11, 2026
You will not come into this expecting to learn about the history and musical significance of cowbells from Dave Grohl, but you will.
From Salon ● Jan. 16, 2025
They found Her Grace sewing by the fire, whilst her fool danced about to music only he could hear, the cowbells on his antlers clanging.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
