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

Secure hazards like electrical cords that curious cats and dogs might want to chew, and store fragile, breakable items out of reach where they can’t be knocked over. —Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025

These apparently humble nuts act as a mild stimulant when chewed, with a buzz equivalent to six cups of coffee. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Noun

Formulation Cat probiotics usually come in chew, powder or capsule formulations. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025

Tiny quick-cooking oats offer a delicate chew in batter that comes together fast enough for weekday mornings. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for chew

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew
• do

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