Collins English-English Dictionary

chime [tʃaɪm]

1. 1. n bell a percussion instrument consisting of a set of vertical metal tubes of graduated length, suspended in a frame and struck with a hammer

2. 2. n an individual bell or the sound it makes when struck

3. 3. n [often plural] the machinery employed to sound a bell in this way

4. 4. n a harmonious or ringing sound

   the chimes of children's laughter

5. 5. n agreement; concord

6. 6. vb to sound (a bell) or (of a bell) to be sounded by a clapper or hammer

7. 7. vb to produce (music or sounds) by chiming

8. 8. vt. [tr] to indicate or show (time or the hours) by chiming

9. 9. vt. [tr] to summon, announce, or welcome by ringing bells

10. 10. vi. [intr; foll by with] to agree or harmonize

11. 11. vi. to speak or recite in a musical or rhythmic manner

12. 12. vi. [Etymology] C13: probably shortened from earlier chymbe bell, ultimately from Latin cymbalum cymbal

chime [tʃaɪm]

1. 1. n the projecting edge or rim of a cask or barrel

2. 2. n [Etymology] Old English cimb-; related to Middle Low German kimme outer edge, Swedish kimb