chips

word · lemma: chip

/ˈtʃɪps/
chips
/tʃˈɪps/
chips

Definition

A chip is a thin piece cut or broken from something. Most commonly, 'chips' means thin fried potato pieces eaten as a snack, but it can also mean small electronic parts or pieces used in games such as poker.

Usage & Nuances

Meaning depends heavily on context. In American English, 'chips' usually means the snack in a bag; in British English, 'chips' usually means thicker fried potato pieces served hot, closer to American 'fries'. It also appears in 'poker chips' and 'computer chip'/'microchip'.

Example Sentences

The table has a few chips on the edge.

basic

This phone uses a small chip to store data.

basic

The paint is starting to chip near the window.

natural

I bought a bag of chips at the store.

basic

We’ve got salsa, guac, and plenty of chips for everyone.

natural

He pushed all his chips to the center of the table.

natural