chimney

noun

chim·​ney ˈchim-nē 

plural chimneys

1

dialect : fireplace, hearth

2

: a vertical structure incorporated into a building and enclosing a flue or flues that carry off smoke

especially : the part of such a structure extending above a roof

3

: smokestack

4

: a tube usually of glass placed around a flame (as of a lamp)

5

: something resembling a chimney: such as

a

: a narrow cleft or passage in rock

b

: a tall column of rock on the ocean floor that is formed by the precipitation of minerals from superheated water issuing from a hydrothermal vent and rising through the column of rock

chimneylike

ˈchim-nē-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of chimney in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Metal railings or a charred brick chimney were all that remained to distinguish the ashen piles. —Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025

Only a fireplace and chimney could be distinguished from a sea of ashes — one of thousands of structures that have burned in the last two days as fires rage across the Los Angeles area. —Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025

An owl flew down a family’s chimney and became their new Christmas tree topper. —Cate Martel, The Hill, 23 Dec. 2024

The home team will be favourites to win, but as that isn’t being shown by any major broadcasters in either the UK or U.S., the day itself is clear for meal preparation and sweeping the chimney for St Nick’s arrival… while checking the scores. —Eduardo Tansley, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French chiminee, from Late Latin caminata, from Latin caminus furnace, fireplace, from Greek kaminos; perhaps akin to Greek kamara vault

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing chimney

• chimney breast
• chimney pot
• chimney stack
• chimney sweep
• chimney swift
• smoke like a chimney

Kids Definition

chimney

noun

chim·​ney ˈchim-nē 

plural chimneys

1

: a vertical structure extending above the roof of a building for carrying off smoke

2

: a tube usually of glass around a flame (as of a lamp)

3

: something resembling a chimney