Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

was champing

  • past progressive
    of champ.
    champ
    verb (used with object)
    to bite upon or grind, especially impatiently.

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.

See Examples For:

“But it’s all part of a process of getting better. He was champing at the bit to get back out here and he’ll champ at the bit to get out there tomorrow.”

From Seattle Times Jul. 31, 2021

Still, as a competitive woman, she was champing at the bit to go back and clock a better time.

From Los Angeles Times Jan. 14, 2017

That a civilization was champing at the bit.

From The Guardian Jan. 7, 2016

He was champing at the bit to be out there.”

From New York Times Nov. 16, 2012

He was champing at the bit to get out there and start hiking.”

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer