Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » chink

chink

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

(c̸hiŋk)

noun

a narrow opening; crack; fissure; slit

Origin: ME chine, with unhistoric -k: see chine

transitive verb

to close up the chinks in
Obsolete to form chinks in

noun

a sharp, clinking sound, as of coins striking together
Slang coin or cash

Origin: echoic

intransitive verb, transitive verb

to make or cause to make a sharp, clinking sound

noun, adjective

Slang Chinese: a contemptuous or patronizing term no longer much used

Origin: prob. altered < China or Chinese

See chink in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A narrow opening, such as a crack or fissure.

transitive verb chinked, chink·ing, chinks

To make narrow openings in.
To fill narrow openings in.

Origin:

Origin: Probably alteration of obsolete chine

Origin: , from Middle English, crack

Origin: , from Old English cine

Related Forms:

chinkˈy adjective

noun

A slight, metallic sound, as of coins rattling in a pocket.

intr. & tr.v. chinked, chink·ing, chinks

To make or cause to make a slight, metallic sound.

Origin:

Origin: Imitative

noun
Offensive Slang

Used as a disparaging term for person of Chinese birth or descent.

Origin:

Origin: Probably alteration of Chinese

Learn more about chink

chink synonyms

chink in a sentence

chink images

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD