CHIME

Pronunciation (US):

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IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does chime mean? 

• CHIME (noun)
  The noun CHIME has 1 sense:

1. a percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned bells that are struck with a hammer; used as an orchestral instrument

  Familiarity information: CHIME used as a noun is very rare.

• CHIME (verb)
  The verb CHIME has 1 sense:

1. emit a sound

  Familiarity information: CHIME used as a verb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CHIME (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned bells that are struck with a hammer; used as an orchestral instrument

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

bell; chime; gong

Hypernyms ("chime" is a kind of...):

percussion instrument; percussive instrument (a musical instrument in which the sound is produced by one object striking another)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "chime"):

carillon (set of bells hung in a bell tower)

handbell (a bell that is held in the hand)

Derivation:

chime (emit a sound)

• CHIME (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they chime    ... he / she / it chimes   
Past simple: chimed   
Past participle: chimed   
-ing form: chiming   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Emit a sound

Classified under:

Verbs of seeing, hearing, feeling

Context example:

bells and gongs chimed

Hypernyms (to "chime" is one way to...):

go; sound (make a certain noise or sound)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s

Also:

chime in (break into a conversation)

Derivation:

chime (a percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned bells that are struck with a hammer; used as an orchestral instrument)

 Context examples 

I can distinctly remember that as we did so there came three chimes from a neighbouring clock.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

"I actually think you are jealous of Mr. Hapgood," Ruth had chimed in.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Emotions will run high, and friends will chime in about what they feel you should do.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

Half-past two had chimed, and it was the darkest hour which precedes the dawn, when we all started as a low but sharp click came from the direction of the gate.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Nor had I long to watch, for, at the first chime of the half hour, he appeared in the street.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

"I cannot possibly countenance any such inconsistent proceeding," chimed in the Dowager Ingram.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

It struck twelve—I waited till the time-piece had concluded its silver chime, and the clock its hoarse, vibrating stroke, and then I proceeded.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

I thought I perceived that Miss Lavinia would have uncommon satisfaction in superintending two young lovers, like Dora and me; and that Miss Clarissa would have hardly less satisfaction in seeing her superintend us, and in chiming in with her own particular department of the subject whenever that impulse was strong upon her.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

At first the steps of a few belated villagers, or the sound of voices from the village, lightened our vigil, but one by one these interruptions died away, and an absolute stillness fell upon us, save for the chimes of the distant church, which told us of the progress of the night, and for the rustle and whisper of a fine rain falling amid the foliage which roofed us in.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I walked a long time, and when I thought I had nearly done enough, and might conscientiously yield to the fatigue that almost overpowered me—might relax this forced action, and, sitting down on a stone I saw near, submit resistlessly to the apathy that clogged heart and limb—I heard a bell chime—a church bell.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)