chop
v. · n.-
1 to cut into pieces (v.) B1 Intermediate Cookingto cut something into small pieces using a knife, axe, or other sharp tool.
to cut something into pieces with repeated, forceful strokes of a sharp instrument.
ExamplePlease chop the onions into small cubes while I heat the pan.
ExampleThe chef demonstrated how to chop the herbs finely without bruising the delicate leaves.
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2 to reduce or remove (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto reduce the size of something or remove a part of it suddenly.
to reduce, shorten, or eliminate a portion of something, often used figuratively regarding budgets or text.
ExampleThe company had to chop its marketing budget by half this year.
ExampleThe editor decided to chop the final two paragraphs to ensure the article fit on a single page.
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3 meat (n.) B1 Intermediate Cookinga thick slice of meat, usually including a piece of bone.
a small cut of meat, typically from the rib, shoulder, or loin of a pig, lamb, or sheep.
ExampleWe are having grilled lamb chops with vegetables for dinner.
ExampleThe butcher recommended the pork chops, noting that the bone-in cut would retain more moisture during the roasting process.
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4 rough water (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Sciencesmall, rough waves on the surface of the water caused by wind.
a condition of surface water characterized by short, irregular, and often wind-driven waves.
ExampleThe boat bounced uncomfortably because of the heavy chop in the bay.
ExampleDespite the significant chop on the lake's surface, the experienced sailors managed to maintain a steady course toward the harbour.
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5 the sack (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate British English Informalthe act of losing your job.
the termination of employment; typically used with the definite article in the phrase 'get the chop'.
ExampleHe was worried about getting the chop after the company lost its biggest client.
ExampleRumours of a corporate restructure led many senior managers to fear they might be next to get the chop.
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6 official stamp (n.) C1 Advanced Dialectan official stamp or seal used on documents.
an official seal or stamp, or the mark made by one, used to authenticate documents.
ExampleThe clerk placed a red chop on the contract to show it was approved.
ExampleThe document is not legally binding until the company chop has been applied to the signature page.
UsageCommon in Asian English varieties, particularly in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Teacher's tipThis sense is standard in Southeast Asian business contexts but may be unfamiliar to speakers of American or British English.
From Middle English choppen, chappen (“to chop”), of uncertain origin, possibly onomatopoeic, or a variant of chap (“to become cracked”). Cognate with Scots chap (“to chop”). Compare also Saterland Frisian kappe, kapje (“to hack; chop; lop off”), Dutch kappen (“to chop, cut, hew”), German Low German kappen (“to cut off; clip”), German kappen (“to cut; clip”), German dialectal chapfen, kchapfen (“to chop into small pieces”), Albanian copë (“piece, chunk”), Old English *ċippian (in forċippian (“to cut off”)). Perhaps related to chip.
Uncertain, perhaps a variant of chap (“cheap”). Compare Middle English copen (“to buy”), Dutch kopen (“to buy”).
From Middle English choppe (“jaw, jawbone”), related to Middle English cheppe (“one side of the jaw, chap”). Perhaps ultimately related to Etymology 1 above.
Borrowed from Hindi छाप (chāp, “stamp”). Closely related to the similarly descended Malay word cap, which likely reinforced the English usage within the Malay world.
Shortening.
Shortening of chopper.
- Verbchop
- Nounchops