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

Beware of lilies, which are toxic to cats; even chewing the leaves or licking pollen off their fur while grooming can be fatal. — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

There’s little worse in a gardener’s mind than watching their careful planning and hard work go up in a cloud of teeth, thanks to every four-legged freeloader within chewing distance. — ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026

Noun

Similar to South Shore and Midwest Tavern pizzas, its crust is thin with just the right amount of chew. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

This silken combination is then slipped into a housemade everything bagel, which provides just enough chew to offset the fluffy scramble. — Warren Rojas, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 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