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."
inseparable
chomp down on
B2 informal transitive
To bite down firmly and noisily on something with the teeth.
In plain English
To take a big, forceful bite of something, usually making some noise while doing it.
What does "chomp down on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To chomp (chew loudly) + down (pressing the jaw down) + on (the target) — largely transparent.
Actually means
To take a big, forceful bite of something, usually making some noise while doing it.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "chomp down on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
burger carrot bone apple sandwich food
How to conjugate "chomp down on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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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