chug

¹ American  

[chuhg] / tʃʌg /

noun

1. a short, dull, explosive sound.

   the steady chug of an engine.

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verb (used without object)

chugged, chugging

1. to make this sound.

   The motor chugged.

2. to move while making this sound.

   The train chugged along.

chug ² American  

[chuhg] / tʃʌg /

verb (used with or without object)

chugged, chugging

1. Also to swallow (a drink) in large gulps or without interruption.

   He noisily chugged the entire bottle of water, then slammed it onto the table.

   She was just sitting on the bench, chugging away on a bottle of soda.

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noun

1. a large gulp or swallow.

   He finished his beer in two chugs.

chug British  

/ tʃʌɡ /

noun

1. a short dull sound, esp one that is rapidly repeated, such as that made by an engine

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verb

1. (intr) (of an engine, etc) to operate while making such sounds

Other Word Forms

• chugger noun

Etymology

Origin of chug¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; imitative

Origin of chug¹

First recorded in 1955–60, as chug down; of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Hiring is down and unemployment inching up, but the economy is chugging along.

From The Wall Street Journal

Before the flight: Amin tries to squeeze in a workout that morning, and chugs water throughout the day to prep for the dry air on the plane.

From The Wall Street Journal

As backlash to data center construction grows across the country, year-end analyses suggest that the construction boom may be the only thing currently keeping the American economy chugging along.

From Salon

Looking ahead: “While worries surrounding the jobs market, tariffs, and inflation continue to swirl, the economy continues to defy its doubters by chugging higher,” said Bret Kenwell, U.S. investment analyst at eToro.

From MarketWatch

If the quantum division were to fall short of its targets, IBM’s other businesses would keep chugging along and help pick up the slack.

From Barron's