chip
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a small piece that has broken off something hard, or the mark left where it broke.
n.a small fragment broken off from a larger solid object, or the resulting flaw or indentation on the surface.
Simple“Be careful, there is a small chip in the rim of this glass.”
In context“The antique vase was in excellent condition, save for a minor chip near the base that was barely visible to the naked eye.”
- 02 A2 Elementary
n.a long, thick piece of potato that has been deep-fried.
n.a strip of potato, typically deep-fried; the standard term in British and Australian English for what Americans call 'fries'.
Simple“We bought a large portion of chips to eat by the seaside.”
In context“The traditional pub lunch consisted of battered cod served with a generous helping of thick-cut chips and mushy peas.”
PitfallI want some chips with my burger in New York. I want some fries with my burger in New York.In the US, 'chips' refers to thin, crunchy snacks in a bag; use 'fries' for hot potato strips.
Synonymsfryfrench fry - 03 A2 Elementary
n.a very thin, crunchy slice of fried potato sold in a bag.
n.a thin, crisp slice of potato or other vegetable that has been fried or baked; referred to as 'crisps' in British English.
Simple“He opened a bag of potato chips to share during the movie.”
In context“The manufacturer reduced the sodium content in their vegetable chips to appeal to more health-conscious consumers.”
Synonyms - 04 B1 Intermediate
n.a tiny piece of technology inside a computer or phone that holds information.
n.an integrated circuit or microchip fabricated on a small piece of semiconducting material.
Simple“The new computer chip makes the laptop much faster than the old one.”
In context“Global supply chains were severely disrupted by a shortage of semiconductor chips required for modern vehicle production.”
- 05 B1 Intermediate
n.a small plastic disc used instead of money in games like poker.
n.a small disk used as a counter to represent a specific value of currency in gambling contexts.
Simple“He pushed all his chips into the middle of the table and said 'all in'.”
In context“The high roller exchanged his cash for a stack of high-value chips at the casino cage before heading to the blackjack table.”
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a short, high kick or hit that sends a ball over another player.
n.a short, high-arcing shot in golf, football (soccer), or similar sports, intended to loft the ball over an obstacle or opponent.
Simple“The striker scored with a clever chip over the goalkeeper's head.”
In context“The golfer executed a perfect chip from the rough, landing the ball softly within inches of the hole.”
Synonyms - 07 B1 Intermediate
v.to accidentally break a small piece off the edge of something.
v.to break or cut a small fragment from the edge or surface of a hard object.
Simple“I chipped my favorite mug when I dropped it in the sink.”
In context“The stonemason had to work carefully not to chip the delicate edges of the marble slab during installation.”
- 08 B1 Intermediate
v.to give some money or help so that a group can buy or do something together.
v.to contribute money, time, or effort toward a collective task or purchase.
Simple“If we all chip in ten dollars, we can buy a nice gift for the teacher.”
In context“Several colleagues chipped in to cover the costs of the retirement party, ensuring a high-quality catering service for the event.”
UsageUsually used as the phrasal verb 'chip in'.
Synonyms