How to Pronounce Chime

To pronounce "chime", say CHIM-e — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈtʃaɪm/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

chime

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈtʃaɪm/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “chime”

"chime" has 2 syllables: chim-e. It rhymes with paradigm and sublime, if that helps it stick.

What does chime mean?

noun

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 was a chime player in the school orchestra.”
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.”

verb

To make the sound of a chime.
“I got up for lunch as soon as the wall clock began chiming noon.”
To cause to sound in harmony; to play a tune, as upon a set of bells; to move or strike in harmony.

Synonyms

alarm bell buzz buzzer carillon clapper curfew ding-dong

Hear “chime” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with chime

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

paradigm sublime prime pantomime maritime stime time slime climb lime rhyme lifetime

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "chime"?▾

"Chime" has 2 syllables: chim · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "chime"?▾

The IPA transcription of "chime" is /ˈtʃaɪm/.

What does "chime" mean?▾

Chime: 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.

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