chew

1 of 2

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:

bite off more than one can chew chew on chew the fat

chew

2 of 2

noun

1

: the act of chewing

2

: something for chewing

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

Chunks of concrete were flung into a nesting and migration site important to some endangered species and a fire chewed through around 4 acres of Boca Chica State Park Land south of the Texas launchpad. — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

Users usually chew it for an effect similar to amphetamines, or it is dried and boiled to create a stimulant tea. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Noun

Made with a blend of rice and all-purpose flours, the pancake is light and fluffy with a subtle chew that keeps it from feeling overly rich. — Emma Jacobson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 July 2026

As a layer of crunch prepares your brain for a crusty piece of bread, it’s immediately met by the soft yet dense chew of the inside. — ABC News, 21 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