Chimes: meaning, definitions and examples

Refer to a set of small bells or metal tubes that produce sounds when struck, often used in clocks, doorbells, or for decorative purposes.

• The door chimes whenever someone enters the store

General term for a hollow metal object that makes a ringing sound when struck, often associated with churches, schools, or time-keeping devices.

• The church bells ring every Sunday morning

Describe a musical instrument consisting of multiple bells, usually housed in a tower, that are played using a keyboard or an automated mechanism.

• The university's carillon plays beautiful melodies every hour

Indicate a percussion instrument with metal bars that are struck with mallets, commonly found in orchestras and often used in education.

• The glockenspiel adds a bright, twinkling sound to the orchestra

Used to describe the sound made by a set of bells, often in a church tower or a clock. It can also refer to the sound of wind chimes.

• The church bells chimes every hour
• The wind chimes in the garden created a soothing melody

Refers to the sound made by bells, such as doorbells, telephones, or larger bells in towns. It can also mean the repetition of a sound in one's ears.

• The phone started to ring just as I sat down
• The ring of the town bell could be heard from miles away

Describes a light, delicate, and somewhat continuous ringing sound, usually associated with small bells or the sound of water trickling.

• The tinkle of the tiny bell was barely audible
• The stream's gentle tinkle was very calming

Usually used to describe a light, high-pitched ringing sound, often associated with small bells or metal objects. Can also refer to catchy musical tunes in advertisements.

• The keys jingle in his pocket as he walked
• The Christmas jingle on the radio always brings back happy memories