What does tolling mean?
Tolling is the act of ringing a bell, usually in a measured series, to mark an hour, give a signal, summon people, or commemorate an event or death. The word is especially associated with church bells and funerals, where the tolling of bells can create a formal and mournful atmosphere, although bells may also toll to mark the hour or call a community together. In older and specialized usage, tolling can mean the levying or payment of a toll, as in a charge imposed for using a road or bridge. As a verb, tolling is the present participle of toll, meaning “to ring a bell” or “to announce by ringing a bell.” As a noun, it names the ringing itself or, more formally, the payment of a levy. The word is useful because it distinguishes an intentional, often repeated ringing from an incidental bell sound.
To ring or sound a bell, especially in a series or as a signal, summons, announcement, or memorial.
"The bell tower tolled the hours throughout the night."
Tolling for the dead is an established solemn or memorial usage.
The act or sound of ringing a bell, especially as a signal or summons; more rarely, the act of levying or paying a toll.
"The slow tolling of the bell echoed across the square."
The plural is standard but rarely needed; the noun is usually used in the singular or in expressions such as "the tolling of the bells."
"The two tollings were recorded separately in the account book."
One bell can mourn the dead, summon worshippers, or mark the hour.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tolling come from?
Tolling comes through Middle English tollen, from Old English tollan, a verb associated with counting or reckoning out. The related noun toll, meaning a tax or charge, likewise descends from Old English and ultimately from Germanic forms connected with counting. Tolling is therefore cognate with tally, tale, and tell, all of which reflect the same ancient root associated with counting.
Related word forms
How tolling is actually used
Tolling is common in both British and American English. In British usage, the first vowel is typically /əʊ/, while it is usually /oʊ/ in American usage. The expression often carries a solemn or memorial association, but it can also describe ordinary clock or church bells. The tax-related noun sense is formal and relatively uncommon.