# chalk

/ˈtʃɑk/ (US) · /tʃˈɔːk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chalk
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. writing material

noun · CEFR A2

a small stick of soft white or coloured rock used for writing on a blackboard.

For teachers: a stick of processed calcium carbonate or gypsum used for writing or drawing on a chalkboard or other rough surface.

- The teacher picked up a piece of yellow chalk to write the date on the board.
- The artist used various shades of pastel chalk to create a temporary mural on the pavement outside the gallery.

### 2. the white rock

noun · CEFR B2

a type of soft, white, powdery rock.

For teachers: a soft, white, powdery limestone consisting mainly of fossil shells of foraminiferans.

- The white cliffs are made of chalk that was formed millions of years ago.
- Geologists examined the chalk deposits to determine the environmental conditions of the Cretaceous period.

### 3. grip powder

noun · CEFR B2

a powder used by climbers or gymnasts to stop their hands from slipping.

For teachers: a powdery substance, typically magnesium carbonate, applied to the hands to improve grip by absorbing moisture.

- The weightlifter rubbed chalk on his hands before trying to lift the heavy bar.
- Before attempting the difficult overhang, the climber dipped her hands into her chalk bag to ensure a secure hold on the limestone.

### 4. betting favorite

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Informal

the person or team that is expected to win a game.

For teachers: the consensus favorite in a sporting event or tournament, particularly in the context of betting or bracket predictions.

- I usually pick the chalk in the first round of the tournament.
- While many fans hoped for an upset, the results followed the chalk, with every top-seeded team advancing to the semi-finals.

### 5. to mark with chalk

verb · CEFR B1

to draw or write something using chalk.

For teachers: to mark, draw, or write on a surface using chalk; often used for marking boundaries or recording scores.

- The groundskeeper began to chalk the lines on the football pitch before the game.
- The referee proceeded to chalk the position of the free kick to ensure the defensive wall remained at the regulation distance.

## Examples

- The teacher uses white chalk to write on the board.
- Gymnasts often apply powdered chalk to their hands to improve their grip and prevent slipping during a routine.
- The artist used various shades of pastel chalk to create a temporary mural on the sidewalk, knowing the rain would eventually wash the vibrant colors away.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.