chew

[choo]

verb (used with object)

1. to crush or grind with the teeth; masticate.

2. to crush, damage, injure, etc., as if by chewing (often followed byup ).

   The faulty paper feeder chewed the letters up.

3. to make by or as if by chewing.

   The puppy chewed a hole in my slipper.

4. to meditate on; consider deliberately (often followed byover ).

   He chewed the problem over in his mind.

verb (used without object)

1. to perform the act of crushing or grinding with the teeth.

2. Informal.,  to chew tobacco.

3. to meditate.

noun

1. an act or instance of chewing.

2. something chewed or intended for chewing.

   a chew of tobacco; taffy chews.

verb phrase

1. chew out,  to scold harshly.

   The sergeant chewed out the recruits.

chew

/ tʃuː /

verb

1. to work the jaws and teeth in order to grind (food); masticate

2. to bite repeatedly

   she chewed her nails anxiously

3. (intr) to use chewing tobacco

4. slang

   1. to argue over a point

   2. to talk idly; gossip

noun

1. the act of chewing

2. something that is chewed

   a chew of tobacco

Other Word Forms

• chewer noun
• unchewed adjective
• well-chewed adjective
• chewable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chew¹

before 1000; Middle English chewen, Old English cēowan; cognate with Old High German kiuwan ( German kauen )

Word History and Origins

Origin of chew¹

Old English ceowan; related to Old High German kiuwan, Dutch kauwen, Latin gingīva a gum

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. chew the fat, to converse at length in a relaxed manner; chat: Also chew the rag.

   They liked to sit around chewing the fat.

More idioms and phrases containing chew

• bite off more than one can chew

Example Sentences

It’s got heart, kind eyes, a wry smile and some funny lines, but no teeth when you really need things bitten into, chewed up and spit out.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Murdaugh is a sweaty, volatile mess, addicted to painkillers he hides in a chewing tobacco tin.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s replaced chewing tobacco, a habit Zahn quit about four years ago, and it’s come in handy for his portrayal of a coach who needs a nervous habit while praying for wins.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This week, as the government shutdown continues into its second week, earnings season kicks into high gear, giving investors something to chew on, absent economic data from the federal government.

Read more on Barron's

This week, as the government shutdown continues into its second week, earnings season kicks into high gear, giving investors something to chew on, absent economic data from the federal government.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• bite 
• chomp 
• gnaw 
• nibble