chew

1 of 2

verb

ˈchü 

chewed; chewing; chews

transitive verb

1

: to crush, grind, or gnaw (something, such as food) with or as if with the teeth : masticate

2

: to injure, destroy, or consume as if by chewing

—usually used with up

chewing up profits

intransitive verb

: to chew something

specifically : to chew tobacco

chewable

ˈchü-ə-bəl 

adjective

chewer noun

chewy

ˈchü-ē 

adjective

chew

2 of 2

noun

1

: the act of chewing

2

: something for chewing

Phrases

chew on

: to think about : ponder

chewing on the new developments

chew the fat or less commonly chew the rag

: to make friendly familiar conversation : chat

Synonyms

Verb

• bite (on)
• champ
• chaw
• chomp (on)
• crunch (on)
• gnaw (on)
• masticate
• nibble

Examples of chew in a Sentence

Verb

We were taught to chew our food thoroughly before swallowing.

He chews with his mouth open.

You're not allowed to chew gum in class.

A mouse chewed through the cord.

The dog chewed a hole in the rug.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

But those seeking restraint and something more clever than the usual carnage will find this talky (in a good way) creeper offers more to chew on than the genre norm. —Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024

From its very first episode, Agatha All Along went to great lengths to show us that, even with WandaVision’s lead killed off in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, there was still plenty of — and perhaps too much — meat for Kathryn Hahn’s Agatha Harkness to chew on. —Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 1 Nov. 2024

Noun

The pie’s top is nicely golden with a bit of chew that gives way to rich custard filling. —Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024

Toodle and Fran immediately come to check out the new arrival, sniffing at the box and even having a curious chew on the leaves. —Rachael O'Connor, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English cēowan; akin to Old High German kiuwan to chew, Russian zhevat'

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing chew

• bite off more than one can chew
• chew off
• chew out
• chew over
• chew (someone) up and spit (him or her) out
• chew toy
• chew up

Kids Definition

chew

1 of 2 verb

ˈchü 

: to crush or grind with the teeth

chewable

-ə-bəl 

adjective

chewer noun

chewy

ˈchü-ē 

adjective

chew

2 of 2 noun

1

: the act of chewing

2

: something for chewing

a chew of tobacco