English Reference
noun

champ

n.
US /ˈtʃæmp/ UK /tʃˈæmp/ champ UK spelling champed, champs

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Informal Sport

    a short way of saying 'champion' — someone who has won a competition.

    a colloquial clipping of 'champion', referring to a winner of a contest or a person of high merit.

    Simple

    The local team was crowned the league champ after their final victory.

    In context

    Despite being the reigning champ, the boxer entered the ring with the humility of an underdog.

    loserrunner up
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a friendly name you use to talk to a friend or a younger person.

    a familiar term of address used between peers or toward a younger male, similar to 'buddy' or 'mate'.

    Simple

    Keep up the good work, champ, you are doing a great job.

    In context

    The coach patted the boy on the shoulder and said, 'Don't worry about the mistake, champ; we will get them next time.'

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate British EnglishDialect Cooking

    a traditional Irish meal made of mashed potatoes and green onions.

    a traditional Irish dish consisting of mashed potatoes, spring onions, butter, and milk.

    Simple

    We had a big bowl of champ with plenty of butter for dinner.

    In context

    The restaurant specialised in traditional fare, serving authentic champ alongside slow-cooked beef stews.


Clipping of Champlain (“Lake Champlain”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated