silver bell

American  

noun

1. any North American shrub or small tree belonging to the genus Halesia, of the storax family, having toothed leaves and drooping white, bell-shaped flowers.

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silver bell British  

noun

1. Also called: snowdrop tree.  any of various deciduous trees of the styracaceous genus Halesia, esp H. carolina, of North America and China, having white bell-shaped flowers

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Etymology

Origin of silver bell

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

From soothing sounds like water to the melodic tones of silver bells and chimes … one can incorporate a sense of coziness through the use of calming audio.

From Seattle Times

Four women in gold lamé jumpsuits with painted faces and floral headbands leaped in tandem, their shins bedecked with silver bells.

From New York Times

He balanced a sparkly silver bell bottom jumpsuit with a grey overcoat that hung off the shoulders.

From Seattle Times

It holds five framed photographs, five funeral orders of service, a silver bell, a gorgeous bouquet.

From Seattle Times

Bramble and bits of leaf were tangled in her hair, and...two tiny silver bells looped on ribbon were tied around each ankle.

From Literature