chop
A chop is a cut or slice, usually made with a sharp object like a knife.
Imagine you're in the kitchen, trying to prepare lunch for yourself and your friends. You need to chop some onions for a stir-fry recipe. Chop means cutting them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly and quickly. When we chop food, we're making it bite-sized and easier to eat. In a busy restaurant, chefs might use special machines to chop vegetables very quickly, but at home, most people do it by hand with a knife or cleaver.
The word "chop" is also used in other contexts. For example, if you're playing basketball, you might hear someone say, "He took a big chop at the hoop!" Here, it means taking a big swing or jump to try and score points. It can also refer to a specific type of punch or blow, especially in boxing or martial arts. In all these cases, "chop" is about cutting through something with force and energy.
How common is "chop"?
It appears most frequently in magazine texts and less often in other writings.
noun
A cut of meat, often containing a section of a rib.
Example: I only like lamb chops with mint jelly.
Real examples of "chop" in context
