chimes

Noun

chime (plural chimes)

1. A musical instrument producing a sound when struck, similar to a bell (e.g. a tubular metal bar) or actually a bell. Often used in the plural to refer to the set: the chimes.
   • Hugo had a recording of someone playing the chimes against a background of surf noise that she found calming.
2. An individual ringing component of such a set.
   • Peter removed the C♯ chime from its mounting so that he could get at the dust that had accumulated underneath.
3. A small bell or other ringing or tone-making device as a component of some other device.
   • The professor had stuffed a wad of gum into the chime of his doorbell so that he wouldn't be bothered.
4. The sound of such an instrument or device.
   • The copier gave a chime to indicate that it had finished printing.
5. A small hammer or other device used to strike a bell.
   • Strike the bell with the brass chime hanging on the chain next to it.

See all 10 meanings of chime