chimney

[ chim-nee ]

noun

, plural chim·neys.

1. a structure, usually vertical, containing a passage or flue by which the smoke, gases, etc., of a fire or furnace are carried off and by means of which a draft is created.
2. the part of such a structure that rises above a roof.
3. Now Rare. the smokestack or funnel of a locomotive, steamship, etc.
4. a tube, usually of glass, surrounding the flame of a lamp to promote combustion and keep the flame steady.
5. Geology.
   1. the vent of a volcano.
   2. a narrow vertical fissure between two rock faces or in a rock formation.
6. Mining. a nearly vertical cylindrical oreshoot.
7. British Dialect. fireplace.

verb (used with object)

, chim·neyed, chim·ney·ing.

1. Mountain Climbing. to ascend or descend (a chimney) by repeated bracing of one's feet or back and feet against opposite walls.

verb (used without object)

, chim·neyed, chim·ney·ing.

1. Mountain Climbing. to ascend or descend a chimney.

chimney

/ ˈtʃɪmnɪ /

noun

1. a vertical structure of brick, masonry, or steel that carries smoke or steam away from a fire, engine, etc
2. See flue
   another name for flue 1
3. See chimney stack
   short for chimney stack
4. an open-ended glass tube fitting around the flame of an oil or gas lamp in order to exclude draughts
5. a fireplace, esp an old and large one
6. geology
   1. a cylindrical body of an ore, which is usually oriented vertically
   2. the vent of a volcano
7. mountaineering a vertical fissure large enough for a person's body to enter
8. anything resembling a chimney in shape or function

chimney

/ chĭm′nē /

1. An elongated opening in a volcano through which magma reaches the Earth's surface.
2. A stack of minerals that have precipitated out of a hydrothermal vent on the floor of a sea or ocean.
3. See more at hydrothermal vent
4. An isolated column of rock along a coastline, formed by the erosion of a sea cliff by waves. Chimneys are smaller than stacks.

Other Words From

• chimney·less adjective
• chimney·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chimney¹

1300–50; Middle English chimenai < Middle French cheminee < Latin ( camera ) camīnāta (room) having a fireplace, equivalent to camīn ( us ) (< Greek kámīnos furnace) + -āta -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of chimney¹

C14: from Old French cheminée, from Late Latin camīnāta, from Latin camīnus furnace, from Greek kaminos fireplace, oven

Example Sentences

Making “Santa’s Footprints” — a trail of baking soda drizzled over the cutout of a boot, showing the big guy’s path from the chimney to the tree to deliver gifts, and back again.

From Washington Post

They want me to get on a ladder and fasten a screen around the top of the chimney so the hornets can no longer enter the house.

From Fortune

Some jurisdictions specifically add mold, chimneys and environmental hazards to the list of possible inspections.

From Washington Blade

He had pulled up to a friend’s driveway to share the good news when an explosion under the house toppled the chimney, which crushed him in the driver’s seat.

From Popular-Science

If you’re not keen on using lighter fluid, which can impact the taste slightly, you can buy a chimney starter to get your charcoal hot and ready.

From Outside Online

But the one that seems to have changed her—stuck with her—is the one of her fall down that chimney.

From The Daily Beast

This philosophy quickly transforms our ride into a long, white roving chimney.

From The Daily Beast

But may have explained pony for my daughter found stuffed down chimney on Xmas morn.

From The Daily Beast

Then get your parents, friends, roommates, children, neighbors, cats, & chimney sweeps to vote, too.

From The Daily Beast

There is no chimney at the headquarters of the Chief Rabbinate in north London.

From The Daily Beast

She got up and stood in front of the fire, having her hand on the chimney-piece and looking down at the blaze.

From Project Gutenberg

Groping to the chimney-place with the aid of his matches, Mr. Collingwood found the candle and lit it.

From Project Gutenberg

Every light in the hall was ablaze; every lamp turned as high as it could be without smoking the chimney or threatening explosion.

From Project Gutenberg

The chimney was at the other end, and thus a draught of hot air constantly passed beneath the floors in cold weather.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. King and Mr. Lewis walking together in Birmingham, a chimney sweeper and his boy passed them.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fireplace
• flue
• furnace
• hearth
• pipe
• stack
• vent