chomp

verb

ˈchämp How to pronounce chomp (audio)
ˈchȯmp
chomped; chomping; chomps

intransitive verb

1
: to chew or bite on something
2
: champ sense 2
—usually used in the phrase chomping at the bit

transitive verb

: to chew or bite on
chomp noun

Synonyms of chomp

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Examples of chomp in a Sentence

They were chomping burgers at a picnic.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What’s more, despite retreating somewhat, high fuel prices continue to chomp away at motorists’ budgets. — Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Porbeagle sharks — which stick around the Bay State all year — have been spotted several times in the last week chomping on striped bass that fishermen caught. — Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 6 July 2026 But in recent weeks, the fish have wreaked havoc for fishermen off the coast of Crete and several other Greek islands, chomping through nets. — ABC News, 26 June 2026 The movie basically imports Superman’s moral code, which doesn’t really jibe in a story filled to the brim with cigar-chomping bounty hunters and outlaws. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for chomp

Word History

Etymology

alteration of champ

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chomp was in 1645

Rhymes for chomp

See All Rhymes for chomp

Browse Nearby Words

Chomolungma
chomp
chomper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chomp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chomp. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chomp

verb
ˈchämp How to pronounce chomp (audio)
ˈchȯmp
1
: to chew or bite on something
2
: champ entry 1 sense 2
—usually used in the phrase chomping at the bit
chomp noun

More from Merriam-Webster on chomp

Nglish: Translation of chomp for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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