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

That includes chimneys and fireplaces, which can be left structurally weakened by fire. —Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2025

At lot after lot after lot, the only bit of house still standing was the chimney. —Nancy Walecki, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2025

Towering fumarolic ice chimneys, some reaching over 30 feet (9 meters), vent superheated volcanic gases that crystallize into bizarre formations upon contact with the frigid Antarctic air. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025

Additionally, eliminate gaps where warm air might escape into the attic, like those around pipes, vents, chimneys, or recessed lighting, to help prevent ice formation. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Mar. 2025

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