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:
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
Joseph Maina, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Methods for maximizing looks range from workouts and skin-care routines to more radical options, such as chewing hard gum for hours to get a squarer jaw.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Outside, 24 Mar. 2026
If your pet chews through to that layer, digestive problems can follow.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chew
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Verb
Some have gone further, publicly chewing khat on the campaign trail, a gesture that signals solidarity and which has become something of a ritual in Kenyan electoral cycles, with aspiring leaders competing to demonstrate the sincerity of their commitment to khat farmers and traders.
—Joseph Maina, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Methods for maximizing looks range from workouts and skin-care routines to more radical options, such as chewing hard gum for hours to get a squarer jaw.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
During long or intense workouts, rapidly digestible fuel—like gels, chews, sports drinks, or even a bowl of white pasta after a grueling run—can be exactly what an athlete needs.
—Outside, 24 Mar. 2026
If your pet chews through to that layer, digestive problems can follow.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chew
Cite this Entry
“Chew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chew. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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