chewed
word · lemma: chew
Definition
'Chewed' is the past tense and past participle of 'chew', meaning something has been bitten and ground with the teeth. It often refers to food that someone has already broken down with their teeth.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used for food, often in passive voice or as an adjective ('chewed gum', 'half-chewed'). Can also describe something that looks crushed or damaged by chewing. Not used for swallowing—'chew' is before 'swallow'. 'Chewed out' is a phrasal verb meaning 'scolded', but has a different sense.
Example Sentences
She spit out the chewed gum.
basic
The dog had already chewed the shoe.
basic
He found a chewed pencil on his desk.
basic
The steak was tough, but I chewed through it anyway.
natural
That dog always leaves chewed toys all over the house.
natural
She realized too late that she had chewed on her pen during the meeting.
natural