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

From the curb, 170 Benvenue is a darling Cape with four perfect little dormers peeking out of its roof, just below a stone chimney. —Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 20 Mar. 2026

In North Reading part of a large pine tree branch came down on Brendon Cottreau's home, causing damage to his chimney, siding and deck. —Paul Burton, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026

Loose Flashings Flashings are thin materials—typically made from metals like aluminum or copper—that are installed at joints and penetrations on roofs and walls including chimneys, valleys, windows, and vents. —Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026

When nesting under your porch or deck or in a crawlspace, chimney, or attic, raccoon waste will accumulate and cause odors. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 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