chowchow

noun chow·chow \ ˈchau̇-ˌchau̇ \

Definition of chowchow

1 : a Chinese preserve of ginger, fruits, and peels in heavy syrup

2 : a relish of chopped mixed pickles in mustard sauce

Recent Examples of chowchow from the Web

Pinckney was at the dinner that night, trying to acknowledge and refute history over watermelon brandy, chowchow, shrimp pie, chapon chasseur, and truffled squab served with silver ewers of walnut ketchup.

— lauren collins, The New Yorker, "America’s Most Political Food," 14 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chowchow.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of chowchow

Chinese Pidgin English chowchow food

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1850

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

chow chow

noun, often capitalized both Cs \ ˈchau̇-ˌchau̇ \

Definition of chow chow

: any of a breed of heavy-coated sturdy muscular dogs of Chinese origin having a broad head and muzzle, a distinctive blue-black tongue and black-lined mouth, and either a long dense coat with a full ruff or a short smooth coat — called also chow

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