Gnaw Meaning in English
word
ˈnɔ
NAW
nˈɔː
NAW
Definition
To bite or chew something repeatedly, usually hard objects like bones. Also used to describe something causing ongoing discomfort or worry.
Usage & Nuances
'Gnaw' is formal/literary for literal chewing (especially animals). Figuratively, use 'gnaw at' for persistent worry: 'The thought gnawed at me.' Do not confuse with 'chew', which is more general. Common phrases: 'gnaw on a bone', 'gnaw at doubts'.
Spanish: roer - carcomerPortuguese (BR): roer - corroerPortuguese (PT): roer - corroerChinese (Simplified): 啃 - 侵蚀Chinese (Traditional): 啃 - 侵蝕Hindi: कुतरना - धीरे-धीरे परेशान करनाArabic: ينخر - يقضمBengali: কামড়ানো - চিবানোRussian: грызтьJapanese: かじるVietnamese: gặmKorean: 갉다Turkish: kemirmekUrdu: چبانا - کترناIndonesian: menggerogoti - mengerat
Example Sentences
The mouse likes to gnaw on cheese.
basic
The puppy started to gnaw the table leg.
basic
Beavers gnaw on trees to build their homes.
basic
Something just kept gnawing at me all night—I couldn't sleep.
natural
He watched the dog gnawing on his old shoe in the corner.
natural
The guilt still gnaws at her, even years later.
natural