noun
clusters; bunches
Describes fruit, flowers, or similar objects growing in dense, hanging clusters like many small bells. Often used with に to mean 'in clusters'.
柿の木に実が鈴なりになっている。
The persimmon tree is laden with clusters of fruit.
桜の花が枝に鈴なりに咲いている。
The cherry blossoms are blooming in clusters on the branches.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Figurative extension: describes a place so full of people or things that they seem to hang together like clusters. Often used with に or as a の-adjective.
会場は人で鈴なりだった。
The venue was crammed with people.
鈴なりの観客が選手を取り囲んだ。
A packed crowd of spectators surrounded the players.
Compound of 鈴 (suzu, 'bell') and なり (nari, 'becoming' or 'shape'), literally 'bell-shaped arrangement'. The image is of many small bells hanging closely together, applied to fruit clusters and later to crowded situations.