Chop
/tʃɒp/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo cut something into pieces, usually with repeated blows.
/tʃɒp/
To cut something into pieces with a sharp instrument.
He chopped the onions finely.
💡 Simply: Imagine using a knife to cut something into smaller bits – that's chopping! Like chopping veggies for a salad.
👶 For kids: To cut something into pieces with a knife or axe.
More Examples
The chef chopped the herbs.
How It's Used
"I'm going to chop the vegetables for the soup."
"The carpenter chopped the wood into smaller pieces."
A single stroke or cut with a sharp tool.
/tʃɒp/
A blow or cut with a sharp instrument.
The chop of the axe echoed through the forest.
💡 Simply: A chop is one hard hit with something sharp, like a knife or axe. Imagine a karate chop!
👶 For kids: A hard hit with a knife or axe.
More Examples
One powerful chop was enough to fell the tree.
How It's Used
"He gave the meat a good chop."
Idioms & expressions
chop and change
To frequently change plans or decisions.
"They kept chopping and changing their minds about the project."
From Middle English *choppen, from Old English *cioppan, probably of Germanic origin.
The word 'chop' has been used in its various forms for centuries, appearing in early English texts relating to woodworking and butchery.
Memory tip
Think of a woodcutter chopping wood with an axe.
Word Origin
"To cut or strike"