# tolling

/ˈtoʊɫɪŋ/ (US) · /tˈəʊlɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tolling
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

to ring a big bell slowly, again and again. You hear it at funerals or as a sign of sad news or danger.

For teachers: to ring a bell slowly and repeatedly, especially to mark a death, funeral, or warning. Typically describes a solemn public signal rather than ordinary ringing.

## Examples

- The old church bells are tolling for the funeral.
- The church bells are tolling across the village to mark the start of the memorial service.
- As dusk fell, the cathedral bells kept tolling, their slow notes carrying across the river while crowds stood in silence.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.