chimney

noun

chim·ney ˈchim-nē

plural chimneys

dialect : fireplace, hearth

: 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

: smokestack

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

: something resembling a chimney: such as

: a narrow cleft or passage in rock

: 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Hearths were convenient, located near an outer wall to ensure safety for the heat to escape through the chimney.

Brenda Yenke, cleveland, 24 Nov. 2022 There was a fire in the walls possibly from the chimney or oil burner, Oquendo said.

Mike Mavredakis, Hartford Courant, 18 Nov. 2022 This silver barrette, shaped like a butterfly, is the chimney to the soul.

Talia Argondezzi, The New Yorker, 12 Nov. 2022 Which country has a tradition of a witch dropping gifts for children through the chimney at Christmas?

Kristen Adaway, Woman's Day, 17 Oct. 2022 Black smoke appears to rise from chimney-like formations of the hottest and deepest known hydrothermal vents on Earth.

Ashley Strickland, CNN, 14 Oct. 2022 Chris grabbed an extension cord and, outside, attempted to tie himself and Lumley to the chimney, but rising storm water washed them onto the nearby deck, Romano said.

Molly Hennessy-fiske, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2022 Dolly has an elevator in her house, and in the basement the elevator door is decorated like a chimney.

Jason Sheeler, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Nov. 2022 Nowadays, Parton has her own traditions, including decorating an elevator in her house like a chimney on the basement floor.

Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 10 Nov. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chimney.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of chimney was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century