noun

peal

peel

noun

A loud ringing sound, or a series of them, such as bells, thunder, or laughter.

"A peal of thunder rolled across the valley."

"Peals of laughter came from the kitchen."

verb

To ring out loudly, or to sound in a loud burst.

"Church bells pealed across the town on New Year's Eve."

How to Use Peal

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA loud burst of sound (bells, thunder, laughter), or the verb for making that sound.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "peel" (to remove skin from fruit) — they sound the same.

Easily confused with

peel →

Common pairings

peal of bells peal of laughter peal of thunder

pealed past tense, peals plural, peals plural, Peals plural, peals singular

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A _____ of thunder rolled across the valley.

A shortened form of Middle English apel/appel, ultimately from Old French apel ("an appeal, or a ringing of bells") — related to the word "appeal".

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