chewing

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Chewing refers to the act of moving food around in your mouth with your teeth and tongue. It's what happens before swallowing.

When you eat, chewing is an essential part of digesting your food. You take a bite, start chewing, and then swallow it down. If someone asks you "Did you chew on that piece of gum all day?" they're probably wondering if the gum got stuck in your teeth or if you were just taking small bites throughout the day. When people talk about their pets' eating habits, they might say "My dog is a good chewer," meaning it's good at breaking down its food into smaller pieces.

How common is "chewing"?

Word chewing is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

verb

To crush with the teeth by repeated closing and opening of the jaws; done to food to soften it and break it down by the action of saliva before it is swallowed.
Example: Make sure to chew thoroughly, and don't talk with your mouth full!
To grind, tear, or otherwise degrade or demolish something with teeth or as with teeth.
Example: He keeps his feed in steel drums to prevent the mice from chewing holes in the feed-sacks.
To think about something; to ponder; to chew over.
Example: The professor stood at the blackboard, chalk in hand, and chewed the question the student had asked.

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Real examples of "chewing" in context

The Three Unforgivable Curses | Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Movie part

You need to find another place to put your chewing gum besides the underside of your desk, Mr. Finnegan.

0:54

Henry Cavill on His Warhammer Hobby, the Least Searched Questions About Him & Grilling on Set

Interview

Uh, yes. I think I was six, and it was chewing gum.

12:44

Guest Hosts Ryan Reynolds & Hugh Jackman Interview Each Other

Entertainment

But before we get to my guest, can we just please, please, please take a five second break of silence without Ryan chewing my ear off. Just give me five.

14:00