gnawing

American  

[naw-ing] / ˈnɔ ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that gnaws.

2. Usually gnawings. persistent, dull pains; pangs.

   the gnawings of hunger.

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Other Word Forms

• gnawingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of gnawing

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; gnaw, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Looking out the window, I see a squirrel sitting on a branch gnawing away at some kind of nut.

From Literature

The creature is gnawing on some parmesan crust with its eyes squeezed shut, like eating the scraps is an experience to be savored with everything it has.

From Literature

It focused her mind wonderfully, and she began to understand why Beowulf found gnawing on hard objects so appealing.

From Literature

Beowulf had given up building towers and was now gnawing on the blocks.

From Literature

“At least my parents had the sense to leave me in the care of a well-regarded educational institution,” Penelope told herself as she pictured her three pupils, barking and gnawing and baying at the moon.

From Literature