chink
4 synonyms for chink, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A narrow crack or opening, often letting through a beam of light.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use chink
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a chink of light
a chink in the armor
As a slur for people of Chinese or East Asian descent, this word is highly offensive and should never be used that way.
Etymology
From Old English ċine ("crack"), with the diminutive suffix -k added later.
Full origin of chink →Frequently asked questions
What does “chink” mean?
The word “chink” means a narrow crack or opening, often letting through a beam of light. In plain terms, a small crack or gap, or figuratively a weak spot in something.
How do you pronounce “chink”?
“Chink” is pronounced chihngk (/t͡ʃɪŋk/ in IPA).
How do you use “chink” in a sentence?
Here is “chink” used in a sentence: “A chink in the curtains let a thin ray of sunlight in.”
What is another word for “chink”?
Words with a similar meaning to “chink” include Chinaman and ching chong.
What part of speech is “chink”?
“Chink” is a noun.
Where does the word “chink” come from?
The word “chink” comes from Old English. From Old English ċine ("crack"), with the diminutive suffix -k added later.
How many meanings does “chink” have?
“Chink” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a narrow crack or opening, often letting through a beam of light.
