chews; chewed; chewing
1
a
: to use your teeth to cut food into small pieces before you swallow it
We were taught to chew our food thoroughly before swallowing.
He chews with his mouth open.
b
: to bite on (something) repeatedly with the teeth
You're not allowed to chew gum in class.
chew tobacco
Stop chewing [=biting] your nails.
A mouse chewed through the cord.
—often + onThe dog was chewing on a bone.
2
: to make (something, such as a hole) by chewing
The dog chewed a hole in the rug.
plural chews
1
: the act of chewing something
a quick chew
2
: something that a person or animal chews
a chew of tobacco
a rawhide chew
Cite this Entry
“Chew.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/chew. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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