chime
1an 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.
Often chimes .
a set of bells or of slabs of metal, stone, wood, etc., producing musical tones when struck.
a musical instrument consisting of such a set, especially a glockenspiel.
the musical tones thus produced.
to sound harmoniously or in chimes as a set of bells: The church bells chimed at noon.
to produce a musical sound by striking a bell, gong, etc.; ring chimes: The doorbell chimed.
to speak in cadence or singsong.
to harmonize; agree: The scenery chimed perfectly with the play's eerie mood.
to give forth (music, sound, etc.), as a bell or bells.
to strike (a bell, set of bells, etc.) so as to produce musical sound.
to put, bring, indicate, announce, etc., by chiming: Bells chimed the hour.
to utter or repeat in cadence or singsong: The class chimed a greeting to the new teacher.
chime in,
to break suddenly and unwelcomely into a conversation, as to express agreement or voice an opinion.
to harmonize with, as in singing.
to be consistent or compatible; agree: The new building will not chime in with the surrounding architecture.
Origin of chime
1Other words from chime
- chimer, noun
- un·chim·ing, adjective
Words Nearby chime
Other definitions for chime (2 of 2)
the edge or brim of a cask, barrel, or the like, formed by the ends of the staves projecting beyond the head or bottom.
Origin of chime
2- Also chimb, chine .
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use chime in a sentence
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.
How the Reality Show ‘Alone’ Got Me Through the Pandemic | aweinberg | July 28, 2021 | Outside OnlineShe 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.
Alice Coltrane is finally heralded as a jazz great. A new reissue doesn’t do her justice. | Andy Beta | July 9, 2021 | Washington PostOld organ chimes hang from the walls above the main workspace.
An Australian inventor wants to stop global warming by electrifying everything | Rachel Pannett | May 28, 2021 | Washington PostA warning chime sounds, the doors whoosh shut, and the train begins to glide into the landscape.
Lose yourself in the hypnotic allure of YouTube’s ‘cab ride’ train-travel videos | Mark Jenkins | April 1, 2021 | Washington PostWhen 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.
Amazon’s new rotating, follow-you camera is useful — and invasive | Geoffrey Fowler | February 26, 2021 | Washington Post
Fans will have the opportunity to chime in via Twitter and vote on certain aspects of the show.
Inside ‘The Sex Factor’: Where 16 Men and Women Vie For Porn Immortality | Aurora Snow | November 22, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTIf immigration reform is being considered by Congress, Iowa Republican Steve Kingis always sure to chime in.
Karl Lagerfeld (always one to chime in) does not approve of the habit.
Diane Kruger Is Chanel’s New Face; Yves Saint Laurent Films Face Off | The Fashion Beast Team | April 8, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTVenezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez was quick to chime in, dismissing her as a “bandit.”
GOP's New Foreign Affairs Chair Ready to Play Hardball | Sandra McElwaine | February 20, 2011 | THE DAILY BEASTIt had such a low, musical chime that the children listened delightedly, never once giving a thought as to who it might be.
The Box-Car Children | Gertrude Chandler WarnerAs its chime died away, he arose and stole forth into the tranquil night.
A Fortune Hunter; Or, The Old Stone Corral | John Dunloe CarteretThe chime of another hour quarter came in due order; still there was no sign of action.
Our Churches and Chapels | AtticusWhile the quarryman was speaking, all the bells of the churches of Laon began to chime in with the peals of the belfry.
The Pilgrim's Shell or Fergan the Quarryman | Eugne SueI have heard the bells chime, and the quarters, and never cease to think of my husband.
Memoirs of Mr. Charles J. Yellowplush | William Makepeace Thackeray
British Dictionary definitions for chime (1 of 2)
/ (tʃaɪm) /
an individual bell or the sound it makes when struck
(often plural) the machinery employed to sound a bell in this way
Also called: bell a percussion instrument consisting of a set of vertical metal tubes of graduated length, suspended in a frame and struck with a hammer
a harmonious or ringing sound: the chimes of children's laughter
agreement; concord
to sound (a bell) or (of a bell) to be sounded by a clapper or hammer
to produce (music or sounds) by chiming
(tr) to indicate or show (time or the hours) by chiming
(tr) to summon, announce, or welcome by ringing bells
(intr foll by with) to agree or harmonize
to speak or recite in a musical or rhythmic manner
Origin of chime
1Derived forms of chime
- chimer, noun
British Dictionary definitions for chime (2 of 2)
chimb chine (tʃaɪn)
/ (tʃaɪm) /
the projecting edge or rim of a cask or barrel
Origin of chime
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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