peal definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

	peach (2)

	peach melba

	Peach State

	peachy

	Peacock

	peacock

	peacock blue

	peacock butterfly

	peacock ore

	peafowl

	peahen

	peak (1)

	peak (2)

	Peak District

	Peak District National Park

	peak expiratory flow measurement

	peak hour

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.