Chiming: meaning, definitions and examples

Same as previous; Used in contexts where there is a continuous or repetitive sound from bells, often evoking a serene or nostalgic feeling.

• They could hear the old church bell chiming in the distance.
• The phones on the table started chiming at the same time.

General term for the clear, resonant sound that a bell makes. It can be used in many contexts, including telephones, alarms, or any tool that produces such a sound.

• I heard the doorbell ring.
• The phone started to ring during the meeting.

Typically used for the slow, solemn ringing of a bell, often to mark a death or funeral. It has a negative, mournful connotation.

• The bell tolled to mark the passing of the village elder.
• A distant bell tolled the end of the day.

Refers to the loud, resonant sounds of bells, often used to describe the ringing of church bells or similar situations. It can also imply a series of sounds.

• A peal of bells rang out to celebrate the wedding.
• She heard a peal of laughter from the next room.

Use 'chiming' to describe a pleasant, musical sound usually associated with small bells, clocks, or chimes. It often suggests a soft, harmonious sound.

• The wind chimes were gently chiming in the breeze.
• The clock started chiming at the hour.

'Bell sound' is a general term to describe any sound made by a bell. It can be used in various situations without implying a specific tone or purpose.

• I could hear the bell sound from the schoolyard.
• The bell sound signaled the end of the class.

'Tolling' is used to describe the slow, solemn ringing of a bell, often associated with funerals, mourning, or significant, usually grave events.

• The bell was tolling for the funeral service.
• A lone bell was tolling in the distance, marking the passing of time.

'Pealing' is typically used to describe a series of loud, echoing sounds from large bells, often in a celebratory or ceremonial context, like church bells.

• The church bells were pealing to celebrate the wedding.
• Pealing bells echoed through the valley announcing the festival.