Chime
/tʃaɪm/
Definitions
2 meaningsA clear ringing sound, especially of bells.
/tʃaɪm/
A resonant sound
The clock chimed eleven.
💡 Simply: Imagine the pretty sound of bells ringing – that's a chime! Like the sound of tiny bells on a Christmas tree.
👶 For kids: A pretty sound like bells ringing!
More Examples
The soft chime of the wind chimes was soothing.
How It's Used
"The beautiful chime of the church bells filled the air."
"The grandfather clock chimed midnight."
To make a clear ringing sound, like a bell.
/tʃaɪm/
To ring with a clear sound
The bells chimed to announce the wedding.
💡 Simply: To chime is like making a bell sound. Think of the sound of bells gently ringing.
👶 For kids: To make a bell sound.
More Examples
The birds chimed in with their sweet songs.
How It's Used
"The clock chimed the hour."
"The bells chimed merrily."
Idioms & expressions
chime in
To interrupt or join a conversation.
"I tried to explain, but everyone chimed in with their own opinions."
From Middle English *chimen, from Old French *chimer, from Vulgar Latin *cimbalum, from Greek kýmbalon "cymbal".
The word "chime" has been used to describe the ringing of bells since the Middle Ages.
Memory tip
Think of a chime as a happy, musical sound.
Word Origin
"cymbal"