chomp down on
B2 informal transitive
In simple words
To take a big, forceful bite of something, usually making some noise while doing it.
Literal meaning: To chomp (chew loudly) + down (pressing the jaw down) + on (the target) — largely transparent.
Meanings
1 B1 informal
To bite down hard and noisily on something, especially food.
"The dog chomped down on the bone and trotted off happily to the corner."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 informal
To grip something firmly with the teeth, often to hold or chew it repeatedly.
"She chomped down on her pen as she tried to think of the right word."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Vivid and informal; 'chomp' carries a sense of enthusiasm and noise. Common in American English. Often used to describe animals eating or a person eating in a vigorous, uninhibited way. Rarely figurative.
Commonly used with
burger carrot bone apple sandwich food
Forms
Base
chomp down on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chomps down on
he/she/it
Past simple
chomped down on
yesterday
Past participle
chomped down on
have + pp
-ing form
chomping down on
continuous
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Synonyms
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