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

Place vent covers or protective barriers along your chimney or vents to keep them out. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 20 July 2026

Most of those cases involve cooking equipment, fireplaces and chimneys, space heaters, lamps, bulbs, wiring and candles. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 15 July 2026

Roof edges, flashing, and areas where materials meet—like chimneys, skylights, and windows—are common entry points for water. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 13 July 2026

Light coals using lighter fluid, an electric starter, or a chimney starter. — Wini Moranville, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2026

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