To chime means to make a pleasant ringing sound, like a bell or set of bells. Church bells chime on Sunday mornings, grandfather clocks chime on the hour, and wind chimes chime when a breeze passes through them. The sound is usually musical and harmonious, not harsh or jarring.

A set of bells that ring together is called chimes. Schools might have chimes that signal the end of class, or a doorbell might play a cheerful chime when someone arrives. The bells themselves can also be called chimes: “The church has beautiful brass chimes in its tower.”

The word also means to interrupt a conversation by adding your thoughts or opinions. When you chime in during a discussion, you're joining the conversation, usually to agree or add something helpful. If your family is planning a trip and you chime in with a suggestion about where to eat lunch, you're contributing your idea to the group.