A bell, typically used for signaling or as a musical instrument.

Origin: The word 'Glocke' originates from the Old High German 'glocca', which was borrowed from the Late Latin 'clocca', meaning 'bell'. This term was likely derived from the Celtic languages, possibly introduced through Christianization, as bells were used in monastic settings. Historical and Cultural Context: The earliest use of 'Glocke' can be traced back to medieval monasteries where bells were integral for calling monks to prayer and marking the passage of time. Evolution: Over time, 'Glocke' retained its primary meaning related to bells, with cognates appearing in various Germanic languages such as Dutch 'klok' and English 'clock', which originally referred to time-telling devices with bells. Modern Relevance: Today, 'Glocke' is used in German-speaking countries to describe any bell, from church bells to small handbells, and it appears in idiomatic expressions such as 'unter der Glocke leben' (to live under a bell), meaning to be sheltered.

The word 'Glocke' shares its origin with the English word 'clock', highlighting the historical importance of bells in timekeeping.