chimes
word · lemma: chime
Definition
Chimes are a set of bells or metal tubes that produce pleasant, musical sounds when struck, often used as decorations, especially outdoors. The word can refer to the instruments themselves or the sounds they make.
Usage & Nuances
'Chimes' is usually plural and refers to multiple bells or tubes. Common collocations: 'wind chimes,' 'church chimes.' Used for both the instruments (decorative or musical) and the melodic sounds. Not to be confused with 'bells,' which can be larger and ring individually.
Example Sentences
The wind made the chimes sing softly.
basic
She hung chimes in the garden.
basic
The church chimes every hour.
basic
I love falling asleep to the sound of the chimes outside my window.
natural
Did you hear the chimes during the ceremony? They sounded beautiful.
natural
Every time the clock chimes, I remember my childhood home.
natural