# chopping

/ˈtʃɑpɪŋ/ (US) · /tʃˈɒpɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chopping
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. cutting into pieces

verb · CEFR B1

cutting something into small pieces using a knife or an axe.

For teachers: the act of cutting something into smaller pieces with repeated, forceful strokes of a sharp instrument.

- She spent the afternoon chopping vegetables for a large pot of soup.
- Chopping wood for the winter was a physically demanding task that required both stamina and a well-maintained axe.

### 2. the act of cutting

noun · CEFR B2

the physical action of hitting or cutting something with a tool.

For teachers: the action of delivering a sharp blow or series of blows with a heavy, bladed tool.

- The steady chopping of the axe was the only sound in the quiet forest.
- The rhythmic chopping of the chef's knife against the wooden board echoed through the professional kitchen during the dinner rush.

### 3. rough water

adjective · CEFR B2

describing water with many small, rough waves that move in different directions.

For teachers: describing a sea state or body of water characterised by short, irregular, and turbulent waves.

- The small boat struggled to stay steady in the chopping water of the bay.
- The ferry crossing was delayed due to the chopping seas and high winds that made docking at the pier too dangerous.

## Examples

- I spent an hour chopping vegetables for the soup.
- She did the chopping while he stirred the pot, dividing the kitchen work evenly.
- The rhythmic sound of chopping wood in the yard provided a steady, grounding backdrop to the quiet afternoon.

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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.