n.
Pronunciation: ' chü
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English c ē owan; akin to Old High German kiuwan to chew, Russian zhevat'
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1 : to crush, grind, or gnaw (as food) with or as if with the teeth : MASTICATE
2 : to injure, destroy, or consume as if by chewing ― usually used with up < chew ing up profits>
intransitive verb : to chew something specifically : to chew tobacco
– chew · able \ - ə -b ə l \ adjective
– chew · er noun
– chewy \ ' chü- ē \ adjective
– chew on : to think about : PONDER < chewing on the new developments>
– chew the fat also chew the rag : to make friendly familiar conversation : CHAT