nugget

noun

nug·​get ˈnə-gət 

1

: a solid lump

especially : a native lump of precious metal

2

: tidbit sense 2

nuggets of wisdom

3

: a small usually rounded piece of food

chicken nuggets

Synonyms of nugget

• mouthful
• bite
• taste
• nibble

Examples of nugget in a Sentence

nuggets of beef in the chow mein

a seemingly inconsequential nugget of information that proved to be the key to cracking the case

Recent Examples on the Web

The ice always landed squarely in my glass without any stray nuggets landing on the floor, and the water dispenser likewise hit the mark. —John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 16 Mar. 2026

Additionally, safflower seeds, peanuts, cracked corn and suet nuggets are also popular with the grosbeaks. —Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026

The boneless buffalo wings are slightly larger than a nugget, with a crunchy coating and bathed in a spicy house made buffalo sauce. —Katie Riley, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026

Taco Bell also plans to introduce new versions of nuggets with different seasonings, inspired by its line of sauces, including Diablo Sauce and variants with notes of Doritos Cool Ranch and Flamin’ Hot. —Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

nugget

noun

nug·​get ˈnəg-ət 

: a solid lump especially of precious metal