Vastny Languages editorial team
bite, chew, nibble, gnaw, chomp
bite: Use bite for gripping or cutting something with the teeth. chew: Use chew for working food between the teeth before swallowing it. nibble: Use nibble for taking small bites bit by bit, such as nibbling a biscuit. gnaw: Use gnaw for repeated persistent biting, as when a dog gnaws a bone. chomp: Use chomp in informal speech for vigorous or noisy biting and chewing.
bite: Use bite for gripping or cutting something with the teeth. chew: Use chew for working food between the teeth before swallowing it. nibble: Use nibble for taking small bites bit by bit, such as nibbling a biscuit. gnaw: Use gnaw for repeated persistent biting, as when a dog gnaws a bone. chomp: Use chomp in informal speech for vigorous or noisy biting and chewing.
Which word fits here?
How to choose a word
Use bite for gripping or cutting something with the teeth.
Use chew for working food between the teeth before swallowing it.
Use nibble for taking small bites bit by bit, such as nibbling a biscuit.
Use gnaw for repeated persistent biting, as when a dog gnaws a bone.
Word by word
bite
Use bite for gripping or cutting something with the teeth.
The dog tried to bite me.
chew
Use chew for working food between the teeth before swallowing it.
Chew your food slowly.
nibble
Use nibble for taking small bites bit by bit, such as nibbling a biscuit.
She nibbled a piece of cheese.
gnaw
Use gnaw for repeated persistent biting, as when a dog gnaws a bone.
The dog gnawed the bone.
chomp
Use chomp in informal speech for vigorous or noisy biting and chewing.
He chomped on the apple loudly.
The kids chomped down on their sandwiches.
How to remember
bite: Use bite for gripping or cutting something with the teeth. chew: Use chew for working food between the teeth before swallowing it. nibble: Use nibble for taking small bites bit by bit, such as nibbling a biscuit. gnaw: Use gnaw for repeated persistent biting, as when a dog gnaws a bone. chomp: Use chomp in informal speech for vigorous or noisy biting and chewing.
