# chime

/ˈtʃaɪm/ (US) · /tʃˈaɪm/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chime
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the clear, ringing sound that a bell makes. It can also be a set of bells or a musical instrument that makes these sounds.

For teachers: a clear, resonant sound produced by a bell or a set of tuned metal tubes. Often refers to the melodic sequence played by a clock to mark the hour.

## Examples

- The soft chime of the clock woke me up.
- The wind caught the metal tubes on the porch, creating a gentle chime that echoed through the garden.
- As the cathedral bells began their midday chime, the vibrations were felt as much as heard by the tourists gathered in the square below.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the plural ('chimes') when referring to a musical instrument or a set of bells.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.