champ

verb \ ˈchamp , ˈchämp , ˈchȯmp \

|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

Examples: champ in a Sentence

Definition of champ

champed; champing; champs

transitive verb

1 : chomp

2 : mash, trample

intransitive verb

1 : to make biting or gnashing movements

2 : to show impatience of delay or restraint —usually used in the phrase champing at the bit

he was champing at the bit to begin

See champ defined for English-language learners

See champ defined for kids

Examples of champ in a Sentence

He champed his pipe angrily.
The horse was champing its bit.
He champed on his pipe angrily.

Recent Examples of champ from the Web

Meanwhile, the 42nd president, who is said to be characteristically champing at the bit to get back out on the campaign trail, has become radioactive in the #MeToo moment.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "The Clintons Will Keep a Low Profile in the Midterm Elections," 21 May 2018
Viewers my be champing at the bit for Aunt Lydia’s origins story, but her charges are too busy fearing and hating her to ask her any personal questions.

— rena gross, Billboard, "9 Major Moments From 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 2, Episode 9 'Smart Power'," 13 June 2018
But things quickly went south as the team dropped its next three games, falling to eventual division champs Memphis and UCF and later stumbling against Temple.

— matt murschel, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Navy is relying on newcomers in key roles, No, 77 in 2018 preseason college football rankings," 11 June 2018
With a returning Gareth Bale champing at the bit for a place in the starting lineup against Liverpool, the Welshman was again left on the bench in the wisdom of his manager.

— SI.com, "Why Zidane Should Be Remembered as the Champions League's Greatest Head Coach in Wake of Madrid Exit," 31 May 2018
The industry vets behind the brewery are champing at the bit to get their brews into the hands of L.A. beer fans.

— john verive, Los Angeles Magazine, "10 New L.A. Breweries That Should Be on Your Beer Week Radar," 11 June 2018
Sabastian has been champing at the bit ever since Tom rode into town.

— sarah schreiber, Good Housekeeping, "Little Boy Cries With Joy After Meeting the Pony He's Been Saving For," 18 Oct. 2016
Also awaiting the verdict with bated breath is Comcast (cmcsa, +0.22%), which is champing at the bit to make an offer to buy 21st Century Fox (fox, +0.74%), edging out Disney’s $52 billion proposed buy-out.

— hallie detrick, Fortune, "The AT&T-Time Warner Merger Ruling Is Expected Tuesday. Here's What's at Stake," 11 June 2018
If Miliband was vigorously champing at the bit to fit all his insight into a swift hour, then Pullman was a slow burner.

— thomas barrie, A-LIST, "Notes from the Hay Festival," 5 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'champ.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of champ

Middle English chammen, champen

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

champ Synonyms

Synonyms

bite (on), chaw, chew, chomp (on), crunch (on), gnaw (on), masticate, nibble;

Related Words

ruminate;

munch, nosh, snack;

consume, eat, ingest, swallow;

bolt, devour, gobble (up or down), gorge, gulp, scarf, scoff, snack, wolf;

nip, peck (at), pick (at);

gum, mumble;

Phrases

sink one's teeth into;

champ

noun \ ˈchamp \

Definition of champ

: champion

See champ defined for English-language learners

Examples of champ in a Sentence

this year's national basketball champs

Recent Examples of champ from the Web

Could be three-time champ Mark Mulder or it could be a unique competitor, Natalie Gulbis, who is pulling odds around 10-1 (following in the footsteps of Annika Sorenstam who finished second in 2014).

— mel shields, sacbee, "Chicago original Peter Cetera brings solo show to Thunder Valley," 13 July 2018
According to the Florida State University Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies, neighboring Lakeland is the Sunshine State’s champ for hot summers.

— kevin spear, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Orlando could sizzle this week with hottest weather of the year," 11 July 2018
Even though the water was FREEZING, Leo was such a champ finding them in that sand.

— becca kufrin, PEOPLE.com, "Bachelorette Becca Kufrin on That 'Embarrassing' Group Date — and Falling for One 'Standup Man'," 9 July 2018
Petra Kvitova is not just a two-time champ, but a skilled grass-courter who won the Birmingham event just nine days ago.

— jon wertheim, SI.com, "Five Thoughts From Day Two at Wimbledon," 3 July 2018
He’s replaced by Todd Cruz, newly acquired from the Seattle Mariners, who’ll play a crucial role down the stretch for the soon-to-be world champs.

— mike klingaman, baltimoresun.com, "Remembering 1983: A look at the Orioles' world championship for the week of June 24-30," 24 June 2018
The reason is because her husband is three-time champ Steph Curry and NBA fans can be very passionate.

— alysha tsuji, For The Win, "Steph Curry sweetly shows support for Ayesha’s restaurant after bad Yelp reviews," 21 June 2018
Waddles was the 11th Region runner-up to Gallagher, while Shiben is the First Region champ.

— nate bryan, The Courier-Journal, "St. Francis' Eva Borders looks to repeat state tennis championship," 16 May 2018
Nurmagomedov is fighting for the 155 title Saturday, after White said earlier this week McGregor would no longer be permanent champ, according to the Washington Post.

— steve almasy and dianne gallagher, CNN, "UFC star Conor McGregor turns himself in after alleged bus attack," 6 Apr. 2018

First Known Use of champ

1868

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

champ Synonyms

CHAMP Defined for English Language Learners

champ

verb

Definition of champ for English Language Learners

: to bite and chew on (something) in a noisy way

CHAMP Defined for Kids

champ

verb \ ˈchamp \

Definition of champ for Students

champed; champing

: to bite and chew noisily

a horse champing its bit

— champing at the bit

: waiting in an impatient way

We were champing at the bit to begin.

champ

noun

Definition of champ for Students

1 : ¹champion 2

2 : ¹champion 3

Learn More about champ

See words that rhyme with champ Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for champ Spanish Central: Translation of champ Nglish: Translation of champ for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of champ for Arabic speakers

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champ

Definition of champ

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Origin and Etymology of champ

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champ

Definition of champ

Examples of champ in a Sentence

Recent Examples of champ from the Web

First Known Use of champ

champ Synonyms

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CHAMP Defined for English Language Learners

champ

Definition of champ for English Language Learners

CHAMP Defined for Kids

champ

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