chewy

American  

[choo-ee] / ˈtʃu i /

adjective

chewier, comparative chewiest superlative

1. (of food) not easily chewed, as because of toughness or stickiness; requiring much chewing.

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chewy British  

/ ˈtʃuːɪ /

adjective

1. of a consistency requiring chewing; somewhat firm and sticky

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• chewiness
  noun

Inflected Forms

Adjectives

• chewier
  comparative
• chewiest
  superlative

Etymology

Origin of chewy

First recorded in 1920–25; chew + -y ¹

Explanation

Chewy things have a springy quality when you grind them between your teeth. When you get braces, you have to avoid chewy foods like hard bagels and sticky toffee. Chewy things really give your jaws a workout when you eat them. Foods as varied as pizza crusts, overcooked meat, and dried apricots all have one thing in common: You have to chew them well before swallowing, and there's a firmness or stickiness between your teeth as you eat. Chewy comes from chew and its Old English root, ceowan.

Example Sentences

Neither chewy, gooey nor crumbly, it was a grown-up way for me to get my chocolate fix—dessert and mouth freshener in one.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

It’s its own thing: chewy, crisp at the edges, and deeply satisfying in a “I can’t believe I just made a pizza” sort of way.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

Sugar confection—think gummies and chewy candy—has taken share, and their bold flavors continue to attract younger consumers.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

The familiar chewy texture and tangy flavor of sourdough come from a complex mix of microorganisms that ferment the dough.

From Science Daily • Jan. 21, 2026

There is a candy machine in every hall in the school and some kids have money every day for a Coke, a pack of cookies, and either chewy candies or candy bars.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri