verb
chug
chuhg
Chug (verb) means to move or run with a repeated dull, laboured sound, as an engine does. Example: “The old tractor chugged slowly up the hill.”
verb
1
To move or run with a repeated dull, laboured sound, as an engine does.
"The old tractor chugged slowly up the hill."
2
Informal: to drink a large amount quickly and continuously, without stopping.
"He chugged the whole can of soda in one go."
noun
1
A dull, repeated, laboured sound, as of an engine working.
"You could hear the chug of the old boat's engine from the shore."
How to use chug
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo move (or drink) with a slow, repeated, effortful sound or motion.
Common pairings
chug along
chug a beer
engine chugging
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Word forms
- Plural
- chugs
- Third person singular
- chugs
- Past tense
- chugged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
You could hear the _____ of the old boat's engine from the shore.
Etymology
Imitative of the sound made by a labouring steam engine.
Rhymes for chug
See all rhymes for chug →Frequently asked questions
What does “chug” mean?
The word “chug” means to move or run with a repeated dull, laboured sound, as an engine does. In plain terms, to move (or drink) with a slow, repeated, effortful sound or motion.
How do you pronounce “chug”?
“Chug” is pronounced chuhg (/t͡ʃʌɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “chug” in a sentence?
Here is “chug” used in a sentence: “The old tractor chugged slowly up the hill.”
What part of speech is “chug”?
Depending on how it is used, “chug” can be a verb and a noun.
How many meanings does “chug” have?
“Chug” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move or run with a repeated dull, laboured sound, as an engine does.
