handbell

IPA/ˈhændbel/
IPA/ˈhændbel/

handbell — noun

  • handbellsingular
  • handbellsplural

1. a small bell fitted with a handle on top, held in one hand and rung by moving th

1.nounB2
Definition

a small bell fitted with a handle on top, held in one hand and rung by moving the wrist; handbells of different pitches are often played together by a group to perform melodies

Example

The handbell choir performed a beautiful version of Silent Night at the concert.

handbell choir + perform in a concert (musical context)

Mei-Lin joined the handbell group at her local church and practices every Tuesday evening.

join + handbell group + practice (activity frame)

Common collocations
  • handbell choir
  • handbell set
  • handbell group
  • play handbells
  • tuned handbells
Synonyms
  • bell

    a general term for any hollow metal object that rings when struck; less specific than handbell

  • chime

    a set of tuned bells, often larger and mounted in a frame rather than hand-held

Grammar Patterns

handbell + verb (ring, sound)

a set of handbells

handbell + noun (choir, group, set)

Usage Note

Frequently appears in the plural form 'handbells' when referring to a complete tuned set played by a group; the singular 'handbell' refers to one instrument from that set.

Common Mistakes

She plays handbell in a band.
She plays handbells in a choir.
The plural 'handbells' is standard for the activity, and handbell players perform in a choir or ensemble, not a band.

2. a bell with a handle that is shaken or rung to attract people's notice, for exam

2.nounB2
Definition

a bell with a handle that is shaken or rung to attract people's notice, for example at a hotel reception desk or in a shop

Example

The hotel receptionist rang a handbell to call the bellhop for a guest's luggage.

ring a handbell to call someone

Library staff ring a handbell on the desk when they need help at the front counter.

handbell on [surface] + ring for help

Common collocations
  • ring a handbell
  • handbell on the desk
  • handbell by the bed
  • summon with a handbell
Synonyms
  • call bell

    a small bell used specifically to summon someone, often placed on a service counter

  • bell

    a more general term for any ringing device used to attract attention

Grammar Patterns

ring + handbell

handbell + to + infinitive (showing purpose)

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

A handbell is a handheld bell with a handle, played by a group as a tuned musical instrument. Bell is the most general term — any hollow metal object that produces a ringing sound when struck. A chime usually refers to a set of bells mounted in a frame, or a tubular percussion instrument played with mallets; unlike handbells, chimes are not held or shaken by individual players. A glockenspiel is a percussion instrument made of metal bars struck by mallets — it is not a bell at all in shape or playing technique. Sleigh bells are small loose bells attached to a strap or harness, producing a continuous jingle rather than controlled, tuned notes. While handbells are carefully tuned to specific pitches and played from sheet music, sleigh bells are mainly decorative and produce an untuned jingling sound.

bell ↗chime ↗glockenspiel ↗sleigh bell

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • ring a handbell
  • play the handbells
  • a set of handbells
  • a handbell choir

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Handbell is a straightforward compound formed from 'hand' (from Old English 'hand', meaning the end of the arm) and 'bell' (from Old English 'belle', meaning a hollow metal vessel that rings when struck). The name literally describes a bell small enough to be held and rung by hand.