chime

¹

[ chahym ]

noun

1. an apparatus for striking a bell so as to produce a musical sound, as one at the front door of a house by which visitors announce their presence.
2. Often chimes.
   1. a set of bells or of slabs of metal, stone, wood, etc., producing musical tones when struck.
   2. a musical instrument consisting of such a set, especially a glockenspiel.
   3. the musical tones thus produced.
   4. carillon.
3. harmonious sound in general; music; melody.
4. harmonious relation; accord:

   the battling duo, in chime at last.

verb (used without object)

, chimed, chim·ing.

1. to sound harmoniously or in chimes as a set of bells:

   The church bells chimed at noon.

2. to produce a musical sound by striking a bell, gong, etc.; ring chimes:

   The doorbell chimed.

3. to speak in cadence or singsong.
4. to harmonize; agree:

   The scenery chimed perfectly with the play's eerie mood.

verb (used with object)

, chimed, chim·ing.

1. to give forth (music, sound, etc.), as a bell or bells.
2. to strike (a bell, set of bells, etc.) so as to produce musical sound.
3. to put, bring, indicate, announce, etc., by chiming:

   Bells chimed the hour.

4. to utter or repeat in cadence or singsong:

   The class chimed a greeting to the new teacher.

verb phrase

1. 1. to break suddenly and unwelcomely into a conversation, as to express agreement or voice an opinion.
   2. to harmonize with, as in singing.
   3. to be consistent or compatible; agree:

      The new building will not chime in with the surrounding architecture.

chime

²

[ chahym ]

noun

1. the edge or brim of a cask, barrel, or the like, formed by the ends of the staves projecting beyond the head or bottom.

chime

¹

/ tʃaɪm /

noun

1. an individual bell or the sound it makes when struck
2. often plural the machinery employed to sound a bell in this way
3. Also calledbell a percussion instrument consisting of a set of vertical metal tubes of graduated length, suspended in a frame and struck with a hammer
4. a harmonious or ringing sound

   the chimes of children's laughter

5. agreement; concord

verb

1. 1. to sound (a bell) or (of a bell) to be sounded by a clapper or hammer
   2. to produce (music or sounds) by chiming
2. tr to indicate or show (time or the hours) by chiming
3. tr to summon, announce, or welcome by ringing bells
4. intrfoll bywith to agree or harmonize
5. to speak or recite in a musical or rhythmic manner

chime

²

/ tʃaɪm; tʃaɪn /

noun

1. the projecting edge or rim of a cask or barrel

Derived Forms

• ˈchimer, noun

Other Words From

• chimer noun
• un·chiming adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chime¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English chymbe belle “cymbal, chime,” literally, “chime bell,” by false analysis of chimbel, chimble, from Old English cimbal, cimbala, or from Old French chimbe, variant of cimbe, cimble cymbal

Origin of chime²

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English chimb(e) “rim of a barrel”; compare Old English cimbing “joining, joint,” cim-stānas “bases of a pillar”; cognate with Middle Low German, Middle Dutch kimme “edge”

Word History and Origins

Origin of chime¹

C13: probably shortened from earlier chymbe bell, ultimately from Latin cymbalum cymbal

Origin of chime²

Old English cimb-; related to Middle Low German kimme outer edge, Swedish kimb

Example Sentences

During her 72 days, she built a home, then moved on to construct a chair for herself, a makeshift sauna, and finally a wind chime.

From Outside Online

She chose what she chose, adding the tonalities and resonances of strings, chimes, water sounds, keyboard effects and layered voices to create its singular sound palette.

From Washington Post

Old organ chimes hang from the walls above the main workspace.

From Washington Post

A warning chime sounds, the doors whoosh shut, and the train begins to glide into the landscape.

From Washington Post

When Live View is activated, the Echo Show makes a chime and pops up a notice on the screen, but this video feed goes only one way.

From Washington Post

Fans will have the opportunity to chime in via Twitter and vote on certain aspects of the show.

From The Daily Beast

If immigration reform is being considered by Congress, Iowa Republican Steve Kingis always sure to chime in.

From The Daily Beast

Karl Lagerfeld (always one to chime in) does not approve of the habit.

From The Daily Beast

Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez was quick to chime in, dismissing her as a “bandit.”

From The Daily Beast

It had such a low, musical chime that the children listened delightedly, never once giving a thought as to who it might be.

From Project Gutenberg

As its chime died away, he arose and stole forth into the tranquil night.

From Project Gutenberg

The chime of another hour quarter came in due order; still there was no sign of action.

From Project Gutenberg

While the quarryman was speaking, all the bells of the churches of Laon began to chime in with the peals of the belfry.

From Project Gutenberg

I have heard the bells chime, and the quarters, and never cease to think of my husband.

From Project Gutenberg