chop

1 of 4

verb (1)

ˈchäp

chopped; chopping

Synonyms of chop next

transitive verb

: to cut into or sever usually by repeated blows of a sharp instrument

: to cut into pieces

—often used with up

chop up an onion

: to weed and thin out (young cotton)

: to cut as if by chopping

chop prices

a bridge chops the lake in two

: to strike (something, such as a ball) with a short quick downward stroke

: to subject to the action of a chopper

chop a beam of light

intransitive verb

: to make a quick stroke or repeated strokes with or as if with a sharp instrument (such as an ax)

archaic : to move or act suddenly or violently

chop

2 of 4

noun (1)

: a forceful usually slanting blow with or as if with an ax or cleaver

: a sharp downward blow or stroke

: a small cut of meat often including part of a rib see lamb illustration

: a mark made by or as if by chopping

: material that has been chopped up

: a short abrupt motion (as of a wave)

: a stretch of choppy sea

: chopper sense 6

chiefly British : abrupt elimination or removal (as from a job)

it is the very top men who have got the chop—

Daily Mirror

chop

3 of 4

verb (2)

chopped; chopping

intransitive verb

: to change direction

: to veer with or as if with wind

chop

4 of 4

noun (2)

: a seal or official stamp or its impression

: a license validated by a seal

: a mark on goods or coins to indicate nature or quality

: a kind, brand, or lot of goods bearing the same chop

: quality, grade

of the first chop

Phrases

chop logic

: to argue with sophistical reasoning and minute distinctions

Examples of chop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

With Kelly’s band in tow, Montgomery had a fine setting for showing off the chops that made figures like George Benson into serious devotees. —

Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Nov. 2023 Since then, the cast of Seinfeld has continued to flex their comedic chops, acting in and producing hit shows like Veep and Curb Your Enthusiasm. —

Keith Langston, Peoplemag, 23 Nov. 2023 Proving its chops on a global scale has taken a little longer, but the emirate is finally starting to have its moment in the spotlight, with the Michelin Guide launching in the city in 2022 and two Dubai venues appearing on 2023’s list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. —

Claudia De Brito, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Nov. 2023 Two-time nominees Robbie and Gosling are leading actress and supporting actor contenders, respectively, having proven their comic chops as deftly as their dramatic talents. —

Tyler Coates, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Nov. 2023 Carol is a singer Nicki got her singing chops from her mother who is a gospel singer herself. —

Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 13 Nov. 2023 The turkey chops are how all turkey should be prepared, with a fried coating that’s light, peppery and crisp. —

Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 13 Nov. 2023 And finally, Tracee Ellis Ross's candyfloss chop proved that trompe-l'œil makeovers ought to be worn well beyond Halloween. —

Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2023 Based on the trailer that just dropped, The Fall Guy is a welcome throwback to the classic action comedies, giving Gosling another chance to exhibit his leading-man acting chops. —

Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 2 Nov. 2023

Verb

This set consists of a blender, food processor, and an assortment of different blades for blending, chopping, crushing ice, grinding, and emulsifying. —

Donna Kim, Bon Appétit, 24 Nov. 2023 If the latter, timing is key when chopping your tree! —

Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 23 Nov. 2023 Finely chop the herbs and mince the garlic (on a microplane, if available), and add them to the lukewarm salted water. —

The View, ABC News, 22 Nov. 2023 Get The Recipe 16 of 30 Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad Just a little chopping and stirring are needed to create this quick salad that brings three of summer's best ingredients together. —

Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2023 To give this dish its signature color, cook chopped ham with plenty of fresh spinach. —

Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Nov. 2023 In a food processor, make the feta and beet spread by adding the feta cheese, remaining beet (roughly chopped), and the heavy cream to the bowl. —

Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Nov. 2023 The hard-working sheriff has his work literally cut out for him as John Carver lives up to his name by chopping and dicing — and in one case cooking someone alive like a Thanksgiving turkey — his way through the community, including several of its particularly attractive young people. —

Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Nov. 2023 Start with the basics: finely chopped cilantro and onion, salsa and a squeeze of lime. —

Jorge Valencia Mariano Fernandez, New York Times, 14 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chop.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English chappen, choppen — more at chap

Verb (2)

Middle English chappen, choppen to barter

Noun (2)

Hindi chāp & Urdu chhāp stamp

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (2)

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of chop was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Chop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chop. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.

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Kids Definition

chop

1 of 3 verb

ˈchäp

chopped; chopping

: to cut by striking especially over and over with something sharp

chop down a tree

: to cut into small pieces

chop onions

: to strike quickly or again and again

chop

2 of 3 noun

: a sharp downward blow or stroke (as with an ax)

: a small cut of meat often including a part of a rib

: a short quick motion (as of a wave)

chop

3 of 3 verb

chopped; chopping

: to change direction

Etymology

Verb

Middle English chappen, choppen "to cut, crack"

Verb

Middle English choppen, chappen "to trade, barter"

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chop

verb (1)

noun (1)

verb (2)

noun (2)

Synonyms

Examples of chop in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near chop

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition