gnaw
Gnaw (verb) means to bite or chew persistently on something tough. Example: “The dog gnawed on the bone for hours.”
How to use gnaw
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo bite steadily on something, or (figuratively) to nag at someone's mind.
Word forms
gnawed past tense, gnawn past tense, gnew past tense, gnaws plural, gnaws singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The dog _____ on the bone for hours.
Etymology
From Old English gnagan, from a Germanic root meaning "to gnaw," related to words in Dutch, German, and Scandinavian languages with similar meanings.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “gnaw” mean?
The word “gnaw” means to bite or chew persistently on something tough. In plain terms, to bite steadily on something, or (figuratively) to nag at someone's mind.
How do you pronounce “gnaw”?
“Gnaw” is pronounced naw (/nɔ/ in IPA).
How do you use “gnaw” in a sentence?
Here is “gnaw” used in a sentence: “The dog gnawed on the bone for hours.”
What part of speech is “gnaw”?
“Gnaw” is a verb.
Where does the word “gnaw” come from?
The word “gnaw” comes from Old English. From Old English gnagan, from a Germanic root meaning "to gnaw," related to words in Dutch, German, and Scandinavian languages with similar meanings.
How many meanings does “gnaw” have?
“Gnaw” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to bite or chew persistently on something tough.
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