Meaning & Definition of word "Chop"

Chop

/tʃɒp/

noun:

  • 1. A piece of food, especially meat, that has been cut off.
    • Example: He ordered a lamb chop for dinner.
  • 2. A quick, forceful movement or action.
    • Example: With a single chop, she broke the board in half.
  • 3. A cut or stroke, as in a blow struck in combat.
    • Example: The samurai delivered a fatal chop to his opponent.

verb:

  • 1. To cut something into pieces with a sharp tool.
    • Example: She chopped the vegetables for the stew.
  • 2. To strike or hit something with a quick motion.
    • Example: He chopped at the tree trunk with an axe.
  • 3. To reduce in size or amount.
    • Example: The company decided to chop its budget for the next fiscal year.

Etymology

Middle English choppe, from Old English ceorfan (to cut)

Common Phrases and Expressions

chop it up:

To discuss or talk about something informally.

chop suey:

A Chinese-American dish made with meat and vegetables.

chop and change:

To keep changing one's mind or position.

Related Words

chopper:

A tool or knife used for chopping.

chopping board:

A flat surface for cutting food.

chopstick:

A pair of slender sticks used as eating utensils in Asian cuisines.

Slang Meanings of chop

Meaning: To leave quickly.

Example Sentence: He decided to chop after the argument.

Meaning: To sell stolen goods.

Example Sentence: He was caught trying to chop the stolen electronics.