chew

verb

\ ˈchü

chewed; chewing; chews

Definition of chew

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

chew on

: to think about : ponder chewing on the new developments

chew the fat or less commonly chew the rag

: to make friendly familiar conversation : chat

chew

noun

Definition of chew (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : the act of chewing

2 : something for chewing

Other Words from chew Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about chew

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from chew

Verb

chewable \ ˈchü-ə-bəl

\ adjective

chewer noun

chewy \ ˈchü-ē

\ adjective

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

The number of teenagers nationwide who chewed on laundry detergent pods and had to call poison control in January was more than double the number of such calls made in all of 2017. — Maria Clark, NOLA.com, "Poison Control got 140 calls about teens purposely eating laundry detergent in January," 31 Jan. 2018 The prospect of getting chewed up by a political buzzsaw doesn't scare Jim Barnett. — Steve Kraske, kansascity, "Here's a straight-talkin' candidate for Kansas governor you should consider," 28 June 2018 However, Québec is not the only place to worry about cryptocurrency mining chewing up too much of the available energy. — David Meyer, Fortune, "Cryptocurrency Miners Are Using So Much Energy That Quebec's Government Had to Crack Down," 8 June 2018 Harvey turned into a monster that chewed up neighborhoods, swallowed buildings, drove thousands from their homes. — Monica Rhor, Houston Chronicle, "Expectant neonatal nurse works through Harvey — until her baby comes," 23 May 2018 Whether voters in the midst of a boom move left or right, many residents say the strains of change are deep, as farms and ranches on the city’s edge get chewed up into housing, and high-wage tech workers outcompete the locals. — Kirk Johnson, The New York Times, idahostatesman, "As Idaho grows, its politics evolve. But don't expect a Democratic surge. | Idaho Statesman," 14 May 2018 One of the couple's son's reportedly told an investigator he had been bound with ropes but escaped by using his teeth to chew his way out. — Crimesider Staff, CBS News, "In 911 call after escape, Turpin sibling describes horrific abuse, being "chained up"," 20 June 2018 The shot of Balfe chewing beef jerky while holding a loaded rifle across her lap is everything. — Outlander Fan, Marie Claire, "5 Biggest Takeaways From 'Outlander' Season 4 Episode 5," 3 Dec. 2018 But on the night the Rockets opened their season, Llull was in Milan chewing his towel and chugging water from a can of Red Bull. — Ben Cohen, WSJ, "The Last Best Player Not in the NBA," 30 Oct. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Most boxes are stocked with two treats from conscientious brands—like Portland’s Cycle Dog and California’s Bobby + Bambi’s—two toys, and a chew or stylish accessory (hello, bandanas!). — Sunset, "10 Best Healthy Pet Treats," 22 Jan. 2018 Use buttercream to attach a pink Necco wafer or a small circle of pink fruit chew for the snout, then pipe small brown buttercream vertical lines for nostrils. — Woman's Day Kitchen, Woman's Day, "Spring Animal Cupcakes," 7 Mar. 2019 The Vertical event is the high-jump—a dog runs and leaps for a chew toy suspended just off the dock and raised with each round of competition. — Christopher Solomon, Outside Online, "This Whippet Is One of the World's Great Athletes," 18 June 2018 Adults skeletonize leaves, chew flowers, and may completely defoliate plants while larvae feed on lawn and garden plant roots. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, "The 10 Most Destructive Garden Insects and How to Get Rid of Them," 10 July 2018 With wonderful, affordable wines and classic cocktails to go alongside perfect chew-to-crust ratio pies, this takes a great dinner and movie night up a level further. — Krista Simmons, Condé Nast Traveler, "35 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles," 27 Feb. 2018 Problem #4: His training pad has basically become a chew toy. — Good Housekeeping, "4 Smart Fixes for Your Biggest Puppy Potty Training Problems," 22 Mar. 2016 The chews grew quickly in popularity and now make up about 84 percent of her business, Hoffman said. — Heidi Groover, The Seattle Times, "Washington to ‘reevaluate’ marijuana edibles, crack down on products that might appeal to kids," 5 Oct. 2018 The meat has a noticeable chew that bothers fried chicken lovers used to more tender bird. — Liz Biro, Indianapolis Star, "Here are all the new fried chicken restaurants in Indianapolis," 6 July 2018

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