chime

Everyday

1. A clear ringing sound made by a bell or clock: the chime of the church clock. tree →
2. (chimes) A set of bells or metal tubes that ring musically: wind chimes. tree →
3. (verb) To ring with a clear sound: the clock chimed three. tree →
4. Chime in: to join a conversation suddenly. tree →
5. Chime with: to agree or fit with something (formal). tree →

In the lessons

In stories chimes mark time (the clock chimed midnight). In maths time problems a clock may chime once for each hour, so counting chimes gives the hour. Phrases: chime in, wind chimes, doorbell chime, chime with.

Examples

• The clock chimed twelve times at midnight. tree →
• Wind chimes tinkled in the breeze. tree →
• The doorbell chimed and Grandma came in. tree →
• "Me too!" my sister chimed in. tree →
• (formal) His story chimes with what the witness said. tree →
• If a clock chimes once at 1 o'clock, twice at 2 and so on, how many chimes from 1 to 4? (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 = 10). tree →
• Deep chasms yawned around it, the water-drops glittered as if lighted with blue flame, and tinkled like the chiming of church bells. tree →

Note

Regular verb: chimed, chiming. "Chime in" means interrupt or add a remark. In maths puzzles, read carefully: chiming on the half-hour too adds extra chimes.