chunk
1 Americannoun
verb (used with object)
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to cut, break, or form into chunks.
Chunk that wedge of cheese and put the pieces on a plate.
-
to remove a chunk or chunks from (often followed byout ).
Storms have chunked out the road.
verb (used without object)
idioms
verb (used with object)
-
to toss or throw; chuck.
chunking pebbles at the barn door.
-
to make or rekindle (a fire) by adding wood, coal, etc., or by stoking (sometimes followed byup ).
noun
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a thick solid piece, as of meat, wood, etc
-
a considerable amount
Etymology
Origin of chunk1
First recorded in 1685–95; nasalized variant of chuck 2
Origin of chunk2
An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; perhaps nasalized variant of chuck 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The offering could sit well with Berkshire investors who are eager to see the company invest a chunk of its roughly $380 billion in cash.
From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026
War has played a part in pushing copper prices to records, because the fighting choked off supplies of sulfuric acid needed to produce a big chunk of the world’s copper.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
A big chunk of the cost of producing eggs comes from buying the grain the hens eat, heating their sheds and transporting the eggs.
From BBC • May 24, 2026
We lost a huge chunk of bands that were the stepping stones for where we’re at now.
From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026
He slyly pocketed a chunk of beef to give to Spider later.
From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
