chow

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈchau̇ How to pronounce chow (audio)
Synonyms of chow
: food, victuals

chow

2 of 3

verb

chowed; chowing; chows

intransitive verb

: eat
—often used with down
chowing down on pizza

chow

3 of 3

noun (2)

: chow chow

Synonyms of chow

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Noun (1)

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Examples of chow in a Sentence

Noun (1) that evening's chow was pretty basic because we were in a hurry there's always at least some chow in the house
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.
Noun
His mix is Chi, pit, chow, poodle and a few other things. — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 Serve with cornbread and chow-chow for the full experience. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
Chow chows have a low drive to please, requiring patience in training. — Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025 Paintings of the Chinese imperial court portray chows luxuriating in the role of companion dogs. — Andrew Norman Wilson, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chow

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

short for chowchow

Noun (2)

by shortening

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1856, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1900, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chow was in 1856

Phrases Containing chow

Rhymes for chow

See All Rhymes for chow

Browse Nearby Words

choux pastry
chow
Chowan
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chow. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chow

2 of 2 verb
: eat sense 1
chowing down on pizza

More from Merriam-Webster on chow

Nglish: Translation of chow for Spanish Speakers

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