chewing

word · lemma: chew

/ˈtʃuɪŋ/
CHOO-ing
/tʃjˈuːɪŋ/
CHYOO-ing

Definition

Chewing means using your teeth and mouth to crush food into small pieces before swallowing it.

Usage & Nuances

Used mainly with food, but can refer to gum as well ('chewing gum'). Not used for drinking. 'Chewing' can imply repetitive movement, sometimes noisy or noticeable. Unlike 'biting', which means cutting with teeth, 'chewing' is a repeated action.

Example Sentences

Chewing gum can help you concentrate.

basic

He is chewing his food slowly.

basic

Please stop chewing with your mouth open.

basic

She got caught chewing gum in class.

natural

If you keep chewing like that, you'll hurt your jaw.

natural

He stared out the window, absentmindedly chewing on his pencil.

natural