1 C1 idiomatic informal
To suddenly say something, joining or interrupting a conversation.
"The quiet boy at the back chimed up with the correct answer before anyone else could respond."
inseparable
chime up
C1 informal intransitive
To suddenly speak up or interject a comment, often unexpectedly.
In plain English
To suddenly start talking or say something out of the blue in a conversation.
What does "chime up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
For a chime or bell to sound upward — by analogy, a voice suddenly rising in a conversation.
Actually means
To suddenly start talking or say something out of the blue in a conversation.
Usage tip
Rare and considered somewhat dated or dialectal. Used similarly to 'chime in' or 'pipe up.' Most native speakers would use 'chime in' instead. Occasionally found in older British literature.
Words that pair with "chime up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
suddenly unexpectedly cheerfully helpfully
How to conjugate "chime up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
chime up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chimes up
he/she/it
Past simple
chimed up
yesterday
Past participle
chimed up
have + pp
-ing form
chiming up
continuous
Hear "chime up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "chime up"
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