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Glite Dictionary
handbell

handbell

1 4.3
A small bell you hold and ring in music or to call people
  • noun
  • /ˈhændˌbɛl/
translation icon : campanilla
  • But best of all, they're made in America by Malmark, the handbell people.
  • handbells and handchimes
  • handbell or hand chime

Examples

  • Popular choices frequently seen in the adult community include guitar and/or keyboard instruction, drum circle participation, or handbell ensembles.

    Academic text (2011)

  • The whole theme may be played "handbell style," with each student given only one bell (pitch) for which to be responsible.

    Academic text (1990)

  • He rang the handbell at the top of the stairs.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • Handbell performance at church.

    Blog text (9)

  • He finished as Sister Francis rang a small silver handbell, signaling the end of lunch.

    Fiction book (1994)

  • Many music educators are finding handbells and handchimes to be an effective means for educating children, as well as an excellent public relations tool.

    Academic text (2000)

  • The handbell choir played beautifully at the holiday concert.

  • Many schools have a handbell group that performs during festive events.

  • During the ceremony, the handbell was rung to signal the beginning of the celebration.

Synonyms

bell
vshandbell
71 1.0

A shape that is round at the bottom and narrow at the top

is a small handheld object rung for music or for signaling

How Loud

church bell
9 1.1
cowbell
8 2.6
handbell
1 4.3
jingle
40 2.3

Surface Forms

handbell singular
handbells plural

Morphology

handbell = hand + bell (transparent) = hand + bell

The meaning is directly the combination of 'hand' + 'bell' (a bell rung by hand), which is straightforward for learners.

Etymology

Handbell is a compound of hand and bell, meaning a 'bell you hold in the hand'. So a handbell is a small bell you hold and ring, often used in music or to give a signal.