Word
chimney
Phoneticschim·ney, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtʃɪmni/
UK/tʃˈɪmni/
Definitions
01smoke vent
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. a pipe or stone structure that carries smoke from a fireplace out through the roof of a building.
n. a vertical flue or duct that provides ventilation for smoke and combustion gases from a fireplace, stove, or furnace.
“Smoke rose steadily from the chimney of the small cottage in the woods.”
“The architect insisted on a traditional brick chimney to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the Victorian restoration project.”
Synonyms
02rock climbing
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical
n. a narrow vertical crack in a rock that is big enough for a person to fit inside.
n. a vertical fissure in a rock face with parallel sides, wide enough to admit the body of a climber.
“The climber wedged himself into the chimney and slowly moved upward.”
“The route becomes significantly more technical once you reach the chimney, requiring a combination of back and foot pressure to ascend.”
Teaching tip
This is a specialized term used primarily in mountaineering and geology.
03to climb a crack
C2 · Proficiency Technical
v. to climb up a narrow gap in a rock by pushing your back and feet against the sides.
v. to ascend a vertical rock fissure by applying opposing pressure with the back, hands, and feet against the parallel walls.
“It was difficult to chimney up the narrow gap with such a heavy backpack.”
“Experienced climbers often prefer to chimney through the central crack rather than attempting the exposed outer face of the cliff.”
Usage
The verb is often used intransitively to describe the method of movement.
Teaching tip
This verb use is very rare outside of the rock climbing community.
Etymology
From Middle English chymeneye, chymneye, chymene, from Old French cheminee, from Late Latin camīnāta, from Latin camīnus, from Ancient Greek κάμῑνος (kámīnos, “furnace”). Doublet of chimenea.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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