peal definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

peal [ peel ]

noun (plural peals)

Definition:

1. ringing of bells: a ringing of bells, especially a change or series of changes rung on bells

2. group of bells: a set of tuned bells

3. noisy outburst: a loud repetitive sound, e.g. of thunder or laughter

verb (past and past participle pealed, present participle peal·ing, 3rd person present singular peals)

Definition:

1. transitive and intransitive verb ring bell: to ring a bell loudly and sonorously, or be rung in this way

2. transitive verb say something loudly: to say something loudly and sonorously

[14th century. Shortening of appeal "call, request"]

Spelling Note


	peal or peel? Do not confuse the spelling of peal and peel, which sound similar. Peal is a noun and verb referring to the sound of bells, thunder, etc., as in peals of laughter, when the church bells peal. Peel is a noun denoting an outer layer or skin, as in orange peel, or a verb referring to the removal of such a layer, as in paint peeling from the walls.