chew

1 of 3

verb

ˈchü 

chewed; chewing; chews

transitive verb

1

: to crush, grind, or gnaw (something, such as food) with or as if with the teeth : masticate

2

: to injure, destroy, or consume as if by chewing

—usually used with up

chewing up profits

intransitive verb

: to chew something

specifically : to chew tobacco

chewable

ˈchü-ə-bəl 

adjective

chewer noun

chewy

ˈchü-ē 

adjective

see also:

chew on chew the fat

chew

2 of 3

noun

1

: the act of chewing

2

: something for chewing

chewy

3 of 3

adjective

ˈchü-ē 

-er/-est

1

: requiring chewing

—used especially of candy

2

of wine : having or producing a dense, full-bodied mouthfeel

… a big wine with chewy tannins and a delicious chocolaty edge.

—Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, 15 May 2006

The wine feels thick and sticky on the palate, with a soft, chewy finish.

—Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, October 2012

Synonyms of chew

Verb

• masticate
• eat
• nibble
• chaw
• bite (on)
• consume
• gnaw (on)
• munch
• crunch (on)

Examples of chew in a Sentence

Verb

We were taught to chew our food thoroughly before swallowing.

He chews with his mouth open.

You're not allowed to chew gum in class.

A mouse chewed through the cord.

The dog chewed a hole in the rug.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Pica and compulsive tendencies There’s an important distinction between chewing and pica in cats. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026

Some obsessive compulsive cats chew repetitively in ways that go beyond normal exploration or play. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

Noun

With water, the clove intensifies, along with sweet cinnamon, astringent oak, more flaky pastry and hard caramel chews. — Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Some supplements and chews are offered in different flavors to better entice your dog. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 2 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English cēowan; akin to Old High German kiuwan to chew, Russian zhevat'

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing chew

• bite off more than one can chew
• chew off
• chew on
• chew out
• chew over
• chew (someone) up and spit (him or her) out
• chew the fat
• chew the rag
• chew toy
• chew up

Rhymes for chew

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew
• do

Kids Definition

chew

1 of 2 verb

ˈchü 

: to crush or grind with the teeth

chewable

-ə-bəl 

adjective

chewer noun

chewy

ˈchü-ē 

adjective

chew

2 of 2 noun

1

: the act of chewing

2

: something for chewing

a chew of tobacco