What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tinkle
Example
The wind chimes tinkled softly in the breeze. [tinkled: verb]
Example
I heard the tinkle of ice cubes in her glass as she took a sip. [tinkle: noun]
chime
Example
The church bells chimed loudly at noon. [chimed: verb]
Example
I love the chime of the grandfather clock in my living room. [chime: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chime is more commonly used than tinkle in everyday language. Chime is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tinkle is less common and refers to specific types of sounds.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tinkle and chime?
While tinkle is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, chime is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
