English · Word Candidate

chew

/tʃuː/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: chews · chewing · chewed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To crush with the teeth by repeated closing and opening of the jaws; done to food to soften it and break it down by the action of saliva before it is swallowed.

Verb

Examples

Make sure to chew thoroughly, and don't talk with your mouth full!

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To grind, tear, or otherwise degrade or demolish something with teeth or as with teeth.

Verb

Examples

He keeps his feed in steel drums to prevent the mice from chewing holes in the feed-sacks.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

The act of chewing; mastication with the mouth.

Noun

Examples

I popped the gum into my mouth and gave it a chew.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Level of chewiness.

Noun

Examples

Once it's cooked, it's not enough of a hard chew to count.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “chew” mean?

To crush with the teeth by repeated closing and opening of the jaws; done to food to soften it and break it down by the action of saliva before it is swallowed.

Is “chew” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.