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

Cover your chimney and stove pipe outlets with a non-flammable screen. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025

Even if the garage door is open, don't start a vehicle if the garage is attached to a home. Furnace and fireplaces: Keep fireplaces clean and in good condition, make sure no debris is blocking the vents or chimney. —Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2025

The Instagram photo, one of Daniel in front of a chimney at Christmas, holding a book and a cat, seems like the same vibe as what Taylor described—a picture in front of a Christmas tree, legs crossed, holding a drink. —Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 20 Feb. 2025

Then, prune overgrown trees and shrubs, trim tall grasses and weedy areas, mow regularly to keep your lawn cut close, and consider calling a chimney sweep to clean out your chimney. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 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