chug

1 of 3

noun

ˈchəg How to pronounce chug (audio)
: a dull explosive sound made by or as if by a laboring engine

chug

2 of 3

verb (1)

chugged; chugging

intransitive verb

: to move or go with or as if with chugs
a locomotive chugging along
wearily chug through the routine
chugger noun

chug

3 of 3

verb (2)

chugged; chugging

transitive verb

: chugalug

Examples of chug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The stringer had felt the chug of that boat and heard the clap of the mullet, not Bragg. — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026 The group is silent and still, reverently absorbing the mechanical chug of this nearly outmoded office machine like Hollywood Bowl-goers taking in Joshua Bell. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 When fish are tuned into bugs, too aggressive of a chug can scare them faster than attract them, especially in clear water. — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 23 July 2026 After the first rail lines were laid in 1804 England, the locomotive’s steamy forward chug seemed unstoppable. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for chug

Word History

Etymology

Noun

imitative

First Known Use

Noun

1866, in the meaning defined above

Verb (1)

1848, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chug was in 1848

Rhymes for chug

See All Rhymes for chug

Browse Nearby Words

chuffy
chug
Chugach Mountains
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chug. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chug

1 of 2 noun
ˈchəg How to pronounce chug (audio)
: a dull explosive sound made by or as if by a steam engine pulling a heavy load

chug

2 of 2 verb
chugged; chugging
: to move or go with chugs
a locomotive chugging along
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