chunk
1 Americannoun
verb (used with object)
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to cut, break, or form into chunks.
Chunk that wedge of cheese and put the pieces on a plate.
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to remove a chunk or chunks from (often followed byout ).
Storms have chunked out the road.
verb (used without object)
idioms
verb (used with object)
-
to toss or throw; chuck.
chunking pebbles at the barn door.
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to make or rekindle (a fire) by adding wood, coal, etc., or by stoking (sometimes followed byup ).
noun
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a thick solid piece, as of meat, wood, etc
-
a considerable amount
Etymology
Origin of chunk1
First recorded in 1685–95; nasalized variant of chuck 2
Origin of chunk2
An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; perhaps nasalized variant of chuck 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A big chunk of global oil demand last year came from China’s efforts to build stockpiles.
A 40-year-old in 1980 who put a chunk of their nest egg into gold only would have broken even last year, two decades into retirement.
Puma’s shares lost a chunk of Thursday’s gains after some analysts said optimism over a change in the brand’s fortunes could be premature, as the company continues to pursue its revamp strategy.
A chunk of pavement had been repainted into a parking bay for electric scooters.
From BBC
I poured in a little water, dropped in a chunk of salt pork, and set it on the stove.
From Literature
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
