gnawing

American  

[naw-ing] / ˈnɔ ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that gnaws.

2. Usually gnawings. persistent, dull pains; pangs.

   the gnawings of hunger.

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Other Word Forms

• gnawingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of gnawing

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; gnaw, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Healthcare, housing, car payments, groceries and energy bills are the costs really gnawing at wallets, according to an analysis from the trade organization.

From MarketWatch

He stood by the smaller fire in front of the doorway, gnawing his thumbnail and glaring at Torak.

From Literature

Since our grief is less of a ready-made commodity lately, we can reorient it around ourselves, a little safer and more sovereign from the gnawing public gaze.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead I felt a gnawing sense of guilt.

From Literature

Deer flies and mosquitoes came and started gnawing on me.

From Literature