Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words
Definition of peal - 3 dictionary results

peal

  [peel]
Use peal in a Sentence
–noun
1. a loud, prolonged ringing of bells.
2. a set of bells tuned to one another.
3. a series of changes rung on a set of bells.
4. any loud, sustained sound or series of sounds, as of cannon, thunder, applause, or laughter.
–verb (used with object)
5. to sound loudly and sonorously: to peal the bells of a tower.
6. Obsolete. to assail with loud sounds.
–verb (used without object)
7. to sound forth in a peal; resound.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME pele, akin to peal to beat, strike (now dial.)

Synonyms:
4. reverberation, resounding, clangor.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To peal
peal   (pēl)   
n.  

  1. A ringing of a set of bells, especially a change or set of changes rung on bells.

  2. A set of bells tuned to each other; a chime.

  3. A loud burst of noise: peals of laughter.

v.   pealed, peal·ing, peals

v.   intr.
To sound in a peal; ring.
v.   tr.
To sound loudly and sonorously.

[Middle English pele, a bell peal, especially as a summons to church, short for apel, appeal; see appeal.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

peal  (n.)
1377, generally considered a shortened form of appeal, with the notion of a bell that "summons" people to church. This is not entirely convincing, but no better theory has been put forth. Extended sense of "loud ringing of bells" is first recorded 1511. The verb is 1632, from the noun.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see peal on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way