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

Firs, pines, and spruces have a high sap content that can damage your chimney flue and produce a lot of creosote on your chimney walls. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024

Clouds of steam puff from the chimneys of the dyers and washhouses below, and a hum of activity rises in the air. —Shane C Kurup, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Dec. 2024

Following no-burn restrictions can protect your household and the surrounding community — according to the Environmental Protection Agency, about 70% of smoke from chimneys can reenter your home. —Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024

In addition to the spacious round room — which includes the kitchen, dining, and living rooms, as well as a huge chimney for Santa to shimmy down — the home boasts several other unique features. —Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 12 Dec. 2024

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