Making a clear, bell-like sound, or speaking up to add a comment to a conversation.
From Old English 'cimbal,' related to Latin 'cymbalum' (cymbal). The word originally described the sound of bells/cymbals, then expanded metaphorically to mean joining in a conversation.
When you 'chime in' to a conversation, you're literally making a sound like a bell—interrupting politely with a musical interjection, which is why people actually appreciate it more than a crude interruption.
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