verb
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gnaw
naw
Gnaw (verb) means to bite or chew persistently on something tough. Example: “The dog gnawed on the bone for hours.”
verb
1
To bite or chew persistently on something tough.
"The dog gnawed on the bone for hours."
"Mice had gnawed through the wiring in the attic."
2
To cause ongoing worry or discomfort.
"Doubt gnawed at her all through the interview."
How to use gnaw
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo bite steadily on something, or (figuratively) to nag at someone's mind.
Common pairings
gnaw on a bone
gnaw at someone
gnawing doubt
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Word forms
- Plural
- gnaws
- Third person singular
- gnaws
- Past tense
- gnawed, gnawn, gnew
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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