Bell/bel/ Definition 1 of 8Pro Tip 1/3Attention Signal The ringing of a bell often means something requires immediate attention or action. When the school bell rings, it's time for class. Pro Tip 2/3Common Idiom 'Ringing a bell' can mean something sounds familiar or you're vaguely remembering it. That song doesn't ring a bell. Have I heard it before? Pro Tip 3/3Historical Use Bells have historically been used for timekeeping or announcing events in a community. The town crier rang the bell before making his announcement.