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'.
The persimmon tree is laden with clusters of fruit.
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.
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.
The venue was crammed with people.
A packed crowd of spectators surrounded the players.
Standard spelling; the kanji 鈴 (bell) evokes the image of many small bells hanging together.
Alternate kanji spelling using 生 (grow), emphasizing the natural clustering of fruit or flowers.
From 鈴, “bell,” and 生り, “bearing fruit.” It first described fruit hanging thickly in bell-like clusters and was later extended to people or objects packed closely together.