carillon

noun

car·​il·​lon ˈker-ə-ˌlän How to pronounce carillon (audio)
-lən,
ˈka-rə-;
ˈker-ē-ˌän,
-ˌōn,
ˈka-rē-;
kə-ˈril-yən
1
a
: a set of fixed chromatically tuned bells sounded by hammers controlled from a keyboard
b
: an electronic instrument imitating a carillon
2
: a composition for the carillon

Examples of carillon 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.
Moonlight carillon tours of Moser Tower will be offered after all performances other than the one on Aug. 19, the release said. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025 In 2000, the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation donated a carillon as part of its living memorial program. arkansasonline.com, 14 Sep. 2024 The singing tower, the centerpiece of the gardens, offers a rare chance to hear a carillon in action. Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2023 Any of the decks or the widow’s walk are excellent bird-watching platforms or a perch from which to hear the 57-bell carillon from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Apr. 2023 See All Example Sentences for carillon

Word History

Etymology

French, alteration of Old French quarregnon, modification of Late Latin quaternion-, quaternio set of four — more at quaternion

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of carillon was in 1775

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Carillon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carillon. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

carillon

noun
car·​il·​lon ˈkar-ə-ˌlän How to pronounce carillon (audio)
-lən
: a set of bells sounded by hammers controlled from a keyboard

More from Merriam-Webster on carillon

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