# chimney

/ˈtʃɪmni/ (US) · /tʃˈɪmni/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chimney
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. smoke vent

noun · CEFR A2

a pipe or stone structure that carries smoke from a fireplace out through the roof of a building.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. rock climbing

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a narrow vertical crack in a rock that is big enough for a person to fit inside.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to climb a crack

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to climb up a narrow gap in a rock by pushing your back and feet against the sides.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Smoke rises up the chimney.
- The old stone chimney stands tall against the grey winter sky.
- The architect designed a slender brick chimney that serves both as a functional vent and a striking vertical accent on the roofline.

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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.