tubular bell

noun

1. Often tubular bells. one of a set of tuned metal tubes of different lengths used as a musical instrument, suspended vertically from a frame and struck with a mallet to produce sounds or melodies.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tubular bell¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

The 18-year-old senior Jaelyn Handy, who contributes movement as well as chiming tubular bell playing alongside members of Yarn/Wire, cited a passage having little to do with basketball as one of her favorites.

From New York Times

The distinctive tubular bell ringing, percussion jingling and low bass line rumbling as a character does something: usually, walk menacingly.

From Salon

Piano strings are manipulated with fishing line for a metallic whine; bowing a vibraphone while a tubular bell is gently struck ends up sounding like how a shiver feels.

From New York Times

The iconic cover featured a chromium-plated bent tubular bell set up in a photo studio.

From The Guardian

The chimes were made by the United States Tubular Bell Company, of Methuen, Mass., and are something of a novelty in this country, though for some time well and favorably known in the Old Country, especially in England.

From Project Gutenberg