# chops

/ˈtʃɑps/ (US) · /tʃˈɒps/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. meat

noun · CEFR A2

small pieces of meat, usually including a bone, from a sheep or pig.

For teachers: plural of 'chop'; small cuts of meat, typically from the rib, loin, or shoulder of a pig, lamb, or calf.

- We had grilled lamb chops with vegetables for dinner last night.
- The chef seasoned the pork chops with a blend of sage and rosemary before searing them to a perfect golden brown.

### 2. skill or talent

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a person's ability or skill in a particular activity, especially music.

For teachers: technical proficiency or competence in a specific field, originally referring to a musician's embouchure or dexterity.

- The new drummer really has the chops to play with such a famous band.
- While he lacked formal training, his natural improvisational chops allowed him to hold his own against veteran jazz performers.

### 3. mouth or jaws

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang

a person's mouth, lips, or jaws.

For teachers: the mouth, jaws, or fleshy parts of the face; often used in the context of eating or speaking.

- He was licking his chops as he looked at the delicious chocolate cake.
- The boxer took a heavy blow to the chops but managed to stay on his feet until the bell rang.

Usage: Commonly found in the idiom 'licking one's chops' to show anticipation.

### 4. rough water

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

an area of the sea where the water is very rough and moving in different directions.

For teachers: a stretch of water where meeting tides or winds create a short, irregular, and broken sea state.

- The small boat struggled to stay steady in the heavy chops near the harbour entrance.
- Navigating the channel required immense concentration due to the unpredictable chops caused by the outgoing tide clashing with the gale-force winds.

## Examples

- She has the chops to lead the team.
- The new manager has the chops to handle the crisis because of her years of experience.
- Critics argued that while the actor possessed the technical chops, he lacked the emotional depth required for the role.

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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.