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

The wreckage includes many shipping containers, vehicles and the chimney of a former residence on the property. —Nathaniel Levine, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2025

The fireplace is designed to contain open flames and vent the smoke produced by the burning wood through the chimney. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2025

Before hiring me, the woman had obtained a quote from a local mason to repair the chimney. —Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025

Even modern scientists had yet to recognize the features, with subsequent academic research in 2015 terming them dune decomposition chimneys. —Mike Bezemek, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 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