Chop Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chop

[tʃɒp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

cooking

To cut (something) into small pieces with repeated sharp blows using a knife or an axe.

Synonyms

cut, dice, hack, mince, slice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
chop	Use when you need to cut something into large, rough pieces, often in cooking or woodcutting. She chopped the onions for the stew. He chopped the firewood for the fireplace.
cut	A general term meaning to divide or make an opening with a sharp tool, used in various contexts including cooking, crafting, and medical procedures. She cut the paper with scissors. He cut the meat into small pieces.
slice	Refers to cutting something into thin, flat pieces, often in cooking or food preparation. He sliced the bread evenly. She sliced the tomatoes for the sandwich.
dice	Used in cooking when you need to cut food into small, even cubes. She diced the carrots for the salad. He diced the onions finely for the recipe.
mince	Used in cooking when you need to cut food into very small, fine pieces. She minced the garlic for the sauce. The recipe calls for minced beef.
hack	Often has a rough or violent connotation, indicating forceful and irregular cutting. Can also refer to unauthorized computer access. He hacked the tree branches with a machete. She accused him of hacking her computer.

Examples of usage

She chopped the vegetables for the salad.
He chopped the wood for the fireplace.
The chef chopped the onions finely for the sauce.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

A thick, solid piece of something cut from a larger whole.

Synonyms

chunk, piece, portion, slab, slice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
chop	Used when cutting something into smaller, rough pieces, often with a tool like an axe or knife. He chopped the wood for the fire The chef chopped the vegetables quickly
piece	A general term for a part or segment of something larger, often used when the shape or size is not specific. Can I have a piece of cake? She found a missing piece of the puzzle
chunk	Refers to a large, irregularly shaped piece of something. She cut the meat into chunks for the stew He broke off a chunk of chocolate
slab	Describes a thick, flat piece of material, usually solid and heavy. They laid a concrete slab for the patio He carved a slab of marble for the sculpture
slice	Used for a thin, flat piece cut from a larger object, commonly used with food. She cut a slice of bread Would you like another slice of cheese?
portion	Refers to a part or share of a whole, often related to food servings or quantities. He ate a large portion of spaghetti She divided the pizza into equal portions

Examples of usage

He ate a chop of the delicious steak.
She ordered a lamb chop at the restaurant.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

Chopping vegetables can change the way they cook – smaller pieces cook faster!
Different chopping techniques (like dicing or julienning) can affect both the appearance and taste of dishes.

Pop Culture

'Chop' has been popularized in cooking shows, where chefs demonstrate their skills with quick and precise chopping techniques.
The phrase 'chop it like it's hot' became a meme, combining culinary skill with humor from a famous rap song.

Science

When you chop food, you increase its surface area, which can lead to quicker cooking and better flavor absorption.
Some recipes suggest chopping food a certain way to enhance the release of flavors, especially in herbs and spices.

Physical Activity

Chopping wood is a common physical activity that involves using an axe, providing a full-body workout.
Engaging in chopping or similar tasks can help improve hand-eye coordination and upper body strength.

Origin of 'chop'

Main points about word origin

The word 'chop' comes from the Old English 'ceopan', meaning to strike or to cut.
It was originally used to describe striking down or hitting, which evolved into its current meaning involving cutting.

The word 'chop' originated from Old English 'ceapian', which means to barter or bargain. Over time, the meaning evolved to include cutting or dividing with a sharp tool. The use of 'chop' in cooking can be traced back to the 17th century, referring to the action of cutting food into smaller pieces.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,368, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14365 cosmetic
14366 unprepared
14367 murderous
14368 chop
14369 peering
14370 slumber
14371 mournful
...