chug

1
[ chuhg ]
See synonyms for: chugchuggedchugging on Thesaurus.com

noun
  1. a short, dull, explosive sound: the steady chug of an engine.

verb (used without object),chugged, chug·ging.
  1. to make this sound: The motor chugged.

  2. to move while making this sound: The train chugged along.

Origin of chug

1
An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; imitative

Other words from chug

  • chugger, noun

Words Nearby chug

Other definitions for chug (2 of 2)

chug2
[ chuhg ]

verb (used with or without object),chugged, chug·ging.
  1. Also chug-a-lug . 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.

noun
  1. a large gulp or swallow: He finished his beer in two chugs.

Origin of chug

2
First recorded in 1955–60, as chug down; of imitative origin

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use chug in a sentence

  • He changed the carburetor adjustment, and Foster got a weary chug-chug that ceased almost as soon as it had begun.

    Cabin Fever | B. M. Bower
  • He tinkered with the engine and presently a steady "chug-chug-chug" reverberated down the valley.

    David Lannarck, Midget | George S. Harney
  • For a few seconds the chug-chug came closer, then it died away in the distance on their left.

    The Rover Boys on the Farm | Arthur M. Winfield (AKA Edward Stratemeyer)
  • As it neared the channel its speed was reduced, and the chug-chug of a powerful gasoline motor became distinctly audible.

    The Argus Pheasant | John Charles Beecham
  • The sharp chug-chug of a motor suddenly sounded, and the disguised launch darted forward like a hawk swooping down on a chicken.

    The Argus Pheasant | John Charles Beecham

British Dictionary definitions for chug

chug

/ (tʃʌɡ) /


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

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

Origin of chug

1
C19: of imitative origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012