chew

1 of 2

verb

chewed; chewing; chews
Synonyms of chewnext

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 adjective
chewer noun
chewy adjective
see also:

chew

2 of 2

noun

1
: the act of chewing
2
: something for chewing

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
This vicious machine chewed him up and spit him out in predictable fashion. Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026 That’s good for the skeleton overall, but the jaw depends on constant remodeling from chewing. Caitlin Kiernan, Flow Space, 30 June 2026
Noun
That first bite delivers the crispy outside with a soft chew of rice, followed by the hot dog. Justin Brown, AJC.com, 27 June 2026 Because they’re typically picked young, Castelvetranos retain their bright green color and have a soft chew. Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for chew

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of chew was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chew. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

chew

1 of 2 verb
: to crush or grind with the teeth
chewable adjective
chewer noun
chewy adjective

chew

2 of 2 noun
1
: the act of chewing
2
: something for chewing
a chew of tobacco

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