Chewy: meaning, definitions and examples

Describes food that requires a lot of chewing. It is often used for candies or foods that are enjoyable due to their texture.

• The toffee was very chewy, so it took me a while to eat it.
• These cookies are perfect because they are just the right amount of chewy.

Used to describe food items that have an unpleasant, elastic texture, often when overcooked. It has a negative connotation.

• The overcooked steak was rubbery and hard to swallow.
• These calamari rings are rubbery; they must have been cooked too long.

Typically used to describe candies that have a gel-like consistency. It often refers to gummy bears or any similar gelatin-based candy.

• I bought a pack of gummy bears for the road trip.
• Gummy vitamins are a fun way to take your daily supplements.

Refers to food that is difficult to cut or chew, often because it is undercooked or overcooked. It usually has a negative connotation.

• The beef was so tough I could hardly cut it with my knife.
• This bread has become tough and stale.

Use when talking about food that requires a lot of chewing because it's tough or sticky.

• The steak was overcooked and very chewy.
• These candy bars are delicious but quite chewy.

Use for situations, tasks, or problems that are hard to do or understand. It has a more general application compared to 'challenging'.

• The exam was difficult and few students passed.
• It’s difficult to change bad habits.

Use when something is not only difficult but also involves some sort of complexity or deceiving ease. Often used to describe situations requiring careful handling or cleverness.

• Solving this puzzle is quite tricky.
• Negotiating the deal was tricky because both sides wanted different things.

Use when talking about tasks or situations that require effort and determination to overcome.

• Learning a new language can be challenging but rewarding.
• The hike was quite challenging, but the view at the top was worth it.