chowder

1 of 2

verb

chow·​der ˈchau̇-dər 

chowdered; chowdering; chowders

transitive verb

: to make chowder of

chowder

2 of 2

noun

: a soup or stew of seafood (such as clams or fish) usually made with milk or tomatoes, salt pork, onions, and other vegetables (such as potatoes)

also : a soup resembling chowder

corn chowder

Examples of chowder in a Sentence

Noun

a bowl of clam chowder

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The obvious choice here is a chowder, and there are plenty of great seafood spots nearby. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 20 July 2026

Sprinkle some Buffalo Ranch Popcorn over a bowl of corn chowder or broccoli-Cheddar soup for a touch of spice. — Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

Beach House Restaurant + Bar @ Lover’s Point dishes up classics with a California twist, like Pacific Coast clam chowder and crispy oyster mushrooms, while Passionfish is known for its sustainable and innovative seafood. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2026

On cooler days and chillier nights, there’s nothing better than a cup of Mac’s gluten-free clam chowder. — Luke Pyenson, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French chaudière kettle, contents of a kettle, from Late Latin caldaria — more at cauldron

First Known Use

Verb

1732, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1751, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chowder

• Manhattan clam chowder

Rhymes for chowder

• crowder
• louder
• prouder
• gunpowder

Kids Definition

chowder

noun

chow·​der

ˈchau̇d-ər

: a soup or stew made of seafood with potatoes and onions and milk or tomatoes

also : a soup similar to chowder

corn chowder