chew

chew · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To bite and grind food with the teeth in preparation for swallowing.

  2. 2.

    An act of chewing.

  3. 3.

    To bite repeatedly without intending to eat; to gnaw.

  4. 4.

    Something for chewing, especially chewing gum or tobacco.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    chew the fat — to have a long, friendly conversation
  • •
    chew someone out — to scold or reprimand someone severely
  • •
    chew on something — to think carefully about something
  • •
    bite off more than one can chew — to take on more than one can handle
  • •
    chew the cud — (of ruminants) to chew previously swallowed food; (figurative) to ruminate

Related words

Antonyms: gulp, swallow
See also: bite, chewed, chewing, eat
Synonyms: chomp, gnaw, masticate, munch

Etymology

From Old English cēowan ("to chew, gnaw"), from Proto-Germanic kewwaną. Related to German kauen and Dutch kauwen.