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

To move or run with a repeated dull, laboured sound, as an engine does.

"The old tractor chugged slowly up the hill."

Informal: to drink a large amount quickly and continuously, without stopping.

"He chugged the whole can of soda in one go."

noun

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 notes

In plain EnglishTo move (or drink) with a slow, repeated, effortful sound or motion.

Common pairings

chug along chug a beer engine chugging

Word forms

chugged past tense, chugged past tense, chugs plural, chugs plural, chugs singular, chugs singular

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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

hug thug

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.