chime in: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-HighInformal, colloquial. Common in spoken and casual written English.
Quick answer
What does “chime in” mean?
To join or interrupt a conversation, typically by adding one's own comment or opinion, often abruptly or without being asked.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To join or interrupt a conversation, typically by adding one's own comment or opinion, often abruptly or without being asked.
To harmoniously agree or coincide with something; to add one's voice to a collective sentiment or opinion. In music, to join in at the appropriate moment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are virtually identical. The verb 'chip in' (to contribute money or an idea) is a near-homophone and a potential source of confusion in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more informal in British English. In American English, can carry a stronger connotation of interrupting.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “chime in” in a Sentence
[Subject] chimed in[Subject] chimed in with [Noun Phrase/Clause][Subject] chimed in to [Verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chime in” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- "That's a rubbish idea," he chimed in unhelpfully.
- She always chimes in with her view during our team huddles.
- Before I could finish, three people chimed in.
American English
- "I totally disagree," she chimed in from the back of the room.
- My dad chimed in to say we should check the weather first.
- Feel free to chime in if you have any data to support that.
adjective
British English
- It was a typical chime-in comment from the department skeptic. (rare, informal)
American English
- His chime-in remark wasn't appreciated by the speaker. (rare, informal)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"During the budget meeting, Sarah chimed in with a crucial cost-saving suggestion." Used in meetings to add points, can be seen as proactive or disruptive.
Academic
"The professor encouraged students to chime in with questions during the lecture." Used in seminars or discussions.
Everyday
"We were discussing holiday plans when my brother chimed in that he couldn't get the time off." Very common in family/friend conversations.
Technical
Rare in highly technical writing. May appear in transcripts or descriptions of dialogue.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chime in”
- Incorrect: 'He chimed in the conversation.' Correct: 'He chimed in *on* the conversation' or simply 'He chimed in.'
- Confusing spelling: 'chime in' vs. 'chime-in' (hyphenated form is rare and usually adjectival).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not inherently rude. Its tone depends entirely on context and delivery. It can be a helpful contribution ("She chimed in with the correct answer") or an unwelcome interruption.
'Interrupt' always means to break the continuity of something, almost always negatively. 'Chime in' can be an interruption, but it can also be a welcomed or timely addition to an ongoing discussion without breaking its flow.
Often, yes. Common structures are: 'chime in' (standalone), 'chime in *with* [a comment]', 'chime in *to* [say/ask/agree]', and 'chime in *on* [a topic].'
Yes, primarily in reported speech or dialogue within narratives, emails, and informal reports (e.g., meeting minutes). It is less common in formal academic or technical prose.
To join or interrupt a conversation, typically by adding one's own comment or opinion, often abruptly or without being asked.
Chime in is usually informal, colloquial. common in spoken and casual written english. in register.
Chime in: in British English it is pronounced /tʃaɪm ɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃaɪm ɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A chime-in (noun, informal, rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of old clocks that CHIME on the hour. When someone 'chimes in', it's like their voice is the clock's chime sounding at that moment in the conversation.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONVERSATION IS MUSICAL HARMONY (adding one's voice to the 'chorus').
Practice
Quiz
In which scenario is 'chime in' LEAST appropriate?