noun
chime
chym
Chime (noun) means a bell-like instrument, or set of them, that rings out a musical note. Example: “The wind chimes tinkled softly on the porch.”
noun
1
A bell-like instrument, or set of them, that rings out a musical note.
"The wind chimes tinkled softly on the porch."
"The clock tower's chimes could be heard across town."
verb
1
To make a ringing sound, like a bell.
"The doorbell chimed just as they sat down to eat."
2
To agree or fit together (often "chime in" for joining a conversation).
"Her opinion chimed with what the others had said."
How to use chime
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA ringing bell sound, or the act of ringing like one — also used for jumping into a conversation ("chime in").
Common pairings
chime in
wind chimes
the clock chimed
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Word forms
- Plural
- chimes
- Third person singular
- chimes
- Past tense
- chimed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The wind _____ tinkled softly on the porch.
Etymology
From Middle English chymbe, likely traced back to Latin cymbalum, "cymbal".
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for chime
See all rhymes for chime →Frequently asked questions
What does “chime” mean?
The word “chime” means a bell-like instrument, or set of them, that rings out a musical note. In plain terms, a ringing bell sound, or the act of ringing like one — also used for jumping into a conversation ("chime in").
How do you pronounce “chime”?
“Chime” is pronounced chym (/tʃaɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “chime” in a sentence?
Here is “chime” used in a sentence: “The wind chimes tinkled softly on the porch.”
What is another word for “chime”?
Words with a similar meaning to “chime” include alarm, bell, buzz, buzzer, carillon and clapper.
What part of speech is “chime”?
Depending on how it is used, “chime” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “chime” come from?
The word “chime” comes from Latin. From Middle English chymbe, likely traced back to Latin cymbalum, "cymbal".
How many meanings does “chime” have?
“Chime” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a bell-like instrument, or set of them, that rings out a musical note.
