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Belfry - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A belfry is the part of a bell tower or steeple where bells are housed. It is often associated with churches and used to call people to worship or mark the time.

belfry

/ˈbɛlfri/ /ˈbɛlfri/

Definition:

A tower or part of a building where bells are hung, often part of a church.

Synonyms:

bell tower, campanile, steeple

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

basement, foundation

Common Collocations:

church belfry, ancient belfry, ringing belfry

Derivatives:

belfries, belfried

Usage Tips:

Use 'belfry' to describe a bell tower, often in historical or architectural contexts.

Common Phrases:

bats in the belfry, ringing from the belfry

Etymology:

From Old French 'berfrei,' meaning a movable siege tower, later associated with bell towers.

Examples:

  • 1. The church's belfry chimed loudly at noon.
  • 2. We climbed the narrow stairs to the ancient belfry.
  • 3. Bats nested in the old belfry for years.
  • 4. The storm damaged the historic belfry last night.

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