What does chimed mean?
'Chimed' is the past tense and past participle of the verb 'chime,' which describes the clear, resonant, musical sound produced by a bell when struck. Its most familiar use is temporal and ceremonial: clocks chime the hour, church bells chime at weddings and services, and doorbells chime to announce a visitor. Beyond its acoustic meaning, 'chimed' also serves figuratively in conversation, where someone who 'chimed in' has interjected a remark into a discussion, often briefly or eagerly. A further, chiefly British usage appears in phrases such as 'chimed with,' meaning to agree or harmonize with another view. The word carries pleasant connotations — bells that chime are associated with celebration, order, and the passage of time — which makes it evocative in both literal and figurative contexts. Whether describing a grandfather clock marking midnight or a colleague adding their voice to a debate, 'chimed' lends rhythm and resonance to English prose.
verb (past tense and past participle of 'chime')The past tense and past participle of 'chime': to make a clear, ringing musical sound, as a bell does, especially marking the hour; also, to interrupt or join a conversation by interjecting a remark.
- To make a clear ringing sound like a bell, especially to strike the hours
- To join in a conversation by making an interjection ('chime in')
- (Of things) to agree or be in harmony, usually in 'chime with'
"The church bells chimed midnight as the crowd fell silent."
"Grandfather's antique clock chimed eight times before he rose for breakfast."
""Count me in," she chimed, raising her hand before the vote was even finished."
Every hour of your life, somewhere in the world, something has chimed — and the word itself may echo back to ancient clashing cymbals.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of chimed
The verb 'chime' entered Middle English around the 14th century, but its precise origin is uncertain; it may derive from Old French 'chimbe' or from Low German or Dutch sources, and some scholars connect it ultimately to the same root behind 'cymbal.' Originally referring to the sound of striking metal, it later developed the figurative senses of joining a conversation and of agreeing or harmonizing. Related forms include the nouns 'chime' and 'chimes' and the phrase 'chime in.'
Related word forms
How chimed is actually used
Mostly neutral in register. The conversational sense ('chimed in') is informal and often suggests a slightly abrupt or eager interjection. The agreement sense appears mainly in British English and formal writing, typically as 'chime with'.
Easily confused with chimed
'Rhymed' refers to matching sounds in poetry or verse, while 'chimed' refers to the ringing sound of bells or an interjection in conversation.