chewing

UK: ˈtʃuːɪŋ | US: ˈtʃuɪŋ

Definition

  1. n. the act of crushing or grinding food with the teeth

  2. vt. present participle of "chew" (to bite and grind with the teeth)

Structure
chew <to grind with teeth>ing <present participle suffix>
Etymology

The word "chewing" derives from the Old English "cēowan," meaning "to bite or gnaw," which traces back to Proto-Germanic *kewwaną. The modern form retains the core action of grinding food ("chew") while the suffix "-ing" marks its continuous or gerund form. This logical pairing reflects the physical act of repetitive biting, a universal human and animal behavior.

Examples

  1. She was chewing gum loudly during the meeting.

  2. Cows spend hours chewing their cud.

  3. Avoid chewing hard candies to protect your teeth.

  4. The sound of chewing echoed in the quiet room.

  5. He stopped chewing when he heard the news.