noun
chink
chihngk
Chink (noun) means a narrow crack or opening, often letting through a beam of light. Example: “A chink in the curtains let a thin ray of sunlight in.”
noun
1
A narrow crack or opening, often letting through a beam of light.
"A chink in the curtains let a thin ray of sunlight in."
"They found a chink in the old stone wall."
2
A weakness or flaw in an otherwise strong system or argument.
"The lawyer found a chink in the prosecution's case."
How to use chink
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small crack or gap, or figuratively a weak spot in something.
When to use it
As a slur for people of Chinese or East Asian descent, this word is highly offensive and should never be used that way.
Common pairings
a chink of light
a chink in the armor
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Word forms
- Plural
- chinks
- Third person singular
- chinks
- Past tense
- chinked
- Comparative
- more Chink
- Superlative
- most Chink
Etymology
From Old English ċine ("crack"), with the diminutive suffix -k added later.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for chink
See all rhymes for 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.
