chewed; chewing; chews
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
: to chew something
specifically
: to chew tobacco
see also chew on, chew the fat
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
Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Because it’s made of metal, mice can’t chew through it.
—Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 6 Jan. 2026
Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025
With joint support the focus of this supplemental chew, they’re made of turmeric, bovine collagen, and glucosamine HCL.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chew
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Verb
Today, the jobs remain, but housing costs have greatly outstripped incomes, chewing away at affordability for new and old residents alike, in both urban and rural areas.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Because it’s made of metal, mice can’t chew through it.
—Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
Bourisn adds loads of garlicky, creamy tang, and the bacon and sausage provide satisfying chew and meaty hits in every bite.
—Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025
With joint support the focus of this supplemental chew, they’re made of turmeric, bovine collagen, and glucosamine HCL.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chew
Cite this Entry
“Chew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chew. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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