Bell

Bell, metal instrument rung by a metal clapper inside. Most bells are cup-shaped, with the bottom edges tapering outward, but as musical instruments they can be pipes of varying lengths (chimes) that create different tones when struck. Bells originated in China in the 800s B.C. and were introduced to Europe in the 6th century A.D. Commonly associated with churches, where they were rung to summon people to worship, bells have also signalled emergencies or momentous events such as the independence movements in the United States and Mexico.

See also: Big Ben; Liberty Bell.