Clock chime

A clock chime is a melody or a set of melodies played at intervals upon a set of bells to mark the passage of time. It is also the name of the installed set of bells, when they are not part of a larger bell instrument such as a carillon. Bells that play clock chimes are commonly placed in bell towers and elaborate floor clocks, but may be found any place where a large clock is installed.

The chime is distinct from the striking of the hour on a single bell, although a clock that plays a chime normally plays the associated hour strike as well, while the bell stuck on the hour may or may not have a part in the melodies. A variety of chime melodies exist, many associated with a particular location or bell tower that originated or popularized them.