1 B1 idiomatic informal
To contribute a share of money toward a common cost or gift.
"We all chipped in twenty dollars to buy our manager a leaving present."
inseparable
chip in
B1 informal inseparable transitive/intransitive
To contribute money to a shared fund, or to add a comment to a conversation.
In plain English
To give some money together with other people for something, or to suddenly say something in a conversation.
What does "chip in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To join in a conversation by adding a comment or remark.
""Don't forget we also need more chairs," she chipped in as they were planning the event."
inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal
To contribute effort or help to a shared task.
"If everyone chips in, we can have the room set up in half an hour."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
A 'chip' is a small piece; to chip in is to contribute one's small piece to the whole.
Actually means
To give some money together with other people for something, or to suddenly say something in a conversation.
Usage tip
The monetary sense is most common: 'We all chipped in for a gift.' The conversational sense overlaps with 'chime in.' British and American English both use this freely. 'Chip in' with money often implies the contributions are small and pooled.
Words that pair with "chip in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
money gift fund idea suggestion donation
How to conjugate "chip in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
chip in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chips in
he/she/it
Past simple
chiped in
yesterday
Past participle
chiped in
have + pp
-ing form
chiping in
continuous
Hear "chip in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "chip in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "chip in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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