chop
chop
Chop (noun) means a cut of meat, often including part of a rib bone. Example: “We grilled pork chops for dinner.”
noun
1
A cut of meat, often including part of a rib bone.
"We grilled pork chops for dinner."
"The butcher trimmed the fat off the lamb chop."
"Would you like a lamb chop with mint sauce and roast potatoes?"
2
A short, sharp strike, especially with the side of the hand or with a blade.
"He split the log with one chop of the axe."
"The karate student broke the wooden board with a single chop of her hand."
"One quick chop with the cleaver split the bone in two."
3
Rough, choppy waves on the water, usually caused by wind.
"The boat pitched badly in the chop just outside the harbour."
"The wind whipped up a nasty chop on the lake, so we went ashore."
"Small kayaks struggle in the chop when the weather turns."
4
Informal: dismissal from a job ("the chop").
"Half the department got the chop after the merger."
"Rumour has it that the manager will get the chop next month."
"Nobody wanted to be the one to give a friend the chop."
verb
1
To cut something into pieces with quick, forceful strokes.
"Chop the onions finely before frying them."
"He chopped the firewood into smaller pieces."
"She likes to chop vegetables for soup on Sunday afternoons."
How to use chop
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCutting something with quick strokes, or (informally) being fired.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
chop vegetables
pork chop
get the chop
choppy water
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Word forms
- Plural
- chops
- Third person singular
- chops
- Past tense
- chopped
Fill the gap
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We grilled pork _____ for dinner.
Etymology
From Middle English choppen, of uncertain origin — possibly imitative of the sound, or a variant of chap ("to crack").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for chop
See all rhymes for chop →Frequently asked questions
What does “chop” mean?
The word “chop” means a cut of meat, often including part of a rib bone. In plain terms, cutting something with quick strokes, or (informally) being fired.
How do you pronounce “chop”?
“Chop” is pronounced chop (/t͡ʃɑp/ in IPA).
How do you use “chop” in a sentence?
Here is “chop” used in a sentence: “We grilled pork chops for dinner.”
What part of speech is “chop”?
Depending on how it is used, “chop” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “chop” come from?
The word “chop” comes from Middle English. From Middle English choppen, of uncertain origin — possibly imitative of the sound, or a variant of chap ("to crack").
Is “chop” a common word?
“Chop” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “chop” have?
“Chop” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a cut of meat, often including part of a rib bone.
What is the difference between a chop and a cutlet of meat?
A chop is a cut of meat that often includes part of a rib bone, typically from pork, lamb, or veal. A cutlet is usually a thinner, boneless slice of meat, though the terms are sometimes used loosely and can overlap depending on the butcher or region.
What does it mean to give someone the chop?
Informally, "the chop" means dismissal from a job, as in "she got the chop after the merger." It is a British informal expression used for redundancy or being cut from a role, team, or list.
What does chop mean when describing water conditions?
When describing water, chop refers to rough, choppy waves usually caused by wind, as distinct from smooth or calm water. Sailors and boaters commonly use the term to describe conditions that make travel bumpier or more difficult.
What is the difference between chop as a verb and as a noun?
As a verb, to chop means to cut something into pieces with quick, forceful strokes, such as chopping vegetables. As a noun, a chop can refer to the cut of meat, a sharp striking blow, or rough water, depending on context.
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