chug

chug · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    (Of a vehicle or engine) to move making a regular muffled sound.

  2. 2.

    (Informal) To drink something quickly in large gulps without pausing.

  3. 3.

    (As a noun) A dull, repetitive sound made by an engine.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    chug along — To continue steadily, if slowly, to make progress.
  • •
    chug-a-lug — To drink quickly without stopping.

Related words

Antonyms: sip
See also: drink, gulp, guzzle
Synonyms: churn, gulp, guzzle

Etymology

Imitative of the sound made by a steam engine or motor. First recorded in the 19th century. The drinking sense emerged in American English in the 20th century.