cowbell

noun

cow·​bell ˈkau̇-ˌbel How to pronounce cowbell (audio)
: a bell hung around the neck of a cow to make a sound by which the cow can be located

Examples of cowbell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There were lots of cheers and even more cowbell. — Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026 There are drums, cowbells, ham horns, and the battle cry of Olé Olé Olé, Olé Olé Olá! — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 June 2026 Ferrell, who also wrote the skit, starred as cowbell player Gene Frenkle for the Blue Öyster Cult band. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026 Woody’s daughter Nora Guthrie, who has spent many years shepherding her father’s musical legacy, was rocking a cowbell and getting into the spirit. — Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cowbell

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cowbell was in 1625

Rhymes for cowbell

See All Rhymes for cowbell

Browse Nearby Words

cow beet
cowbell
cowberry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cowbell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cowbell. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cowbell

noun
cow·​bell ˈkau̇-ˌbel How to pronounce cowbell (audio)
: a bell hung about the neck of a cow to indicate its whereabouts
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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