nugget

[nuhg-it]

noun

1. a lump of something, as of precious metal.

2. a lump of native gold.

3. anything of great value, significance, or the like.

   nuggets of wisdom.

4. a bite-size piece of chicken, fish, etc., usually batter-fried.

5. Welding.,  (in a spot-weld) the metal fused.

6. Australian.

   1. a powerful, heavy animal.

   2. a strong, thickset man.

Nugget

¹

/ ˈnʌɡɪt /

noun

1. shoe polish

verb

1. informal,  (tr; sometimes not capital) to shine (shoes)

nugget

²

/ ˈnʌɡɪt /

noun

1. a small piece or lump, esp of gold in its natural state

2. something small but valuable or excellent

Other Word Forms

• nuggety adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nugget¹

1850–55; perhaps diminutive of obsolete nug small piece, variant of nog ²; -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of nugget¹

C19: origin unknown

Example Sentences

A woman died after trying to stop her two dogs fighting over a chicken nugget, an inquest has heard.

From BBC

He dismisses that as "chips and chicken nuggets" and says hotel residents have complained it makes them feel ill.

From BBC

“Will There Ever Be Another You” is a mixed bag; readers must sift through “clods” of ornate prose to pluck nuggets of gold.

From Los Angeles Times

Perhaps she’ll pack him chicken nuggets or pasta alongside strawberries, oranges or watermelon.

From Los Angeles Times

From school lunch nuggets to iconic candies, here’s a look at the big names removing artificial dyes from their shelves — and what’s driving the change.

From Salon