chewing

chew-ing · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Biting and grinding food or another substance with the teeth.

  2. 2.

    The action of biting and grinding with teeth.

  3. 3.

    Used attributively for things meant to be chewed.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    chewing gum — a soft, cohesive substance for chewing but not swallowing
  • •
    chewing tobacco — tobacco prepared for chewing rather than smoking

Related words

Antonyms: gulping, swallowing
See also: chew, chewed, gum
Synonyms: gnawing, masticating, munching

Etymology

Present participle of chew, from Old English cēowan ("to chew, gnaw").