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DictionarycarillonTuned bells
noun

carillon

KAIR-uh-lahn/ˈkærəlɑːn/

An instrument consisting of tuned bells.

The carillon connects a wooden keyboard to a set of graduated bronze bells.

An isolated cutaway of a carillon shows graduated bronze bells connected by mechanical linkages to a wooden baton keyboard, making the playable bell set visible as one instrument.
Etymology
carillonLatinset of four

French sources trace the name to a “set of four,” referring to four bells. That numerical sense broadened into the name for a tuned bell set played by a keyboard or mechanism.

More examples

  • The sound of the carillon spreads across the square.
  • The church installs a new set of carillon bells.
  • She composes a short piece for carillon.

Forms

carillon · carillons

Similar words

chime
Can mean fewer bells or a simpler repeated pattern.
bell
A single instrument rather than a tuned set.