Chug: meaning, definitions and examples

Describing the sound or action of an engine or machine working steadily.

• The train chugged along the tracks

Describing the action of swallowing something quickly and often audibly, usually because of urgency or nervousness.

• He gulped down his drink before making a speech

Informal context, usually referring to drinking a large amount of a beverage in one go, often alcohol.

• He took a swig from his flask during the hike

A more literary or formal term, used to describe drinking something, usually an alcoholic beverage, with enjoyment and gusto.

• They quaffed their wine at the festive celebration

Used widely in both informal and formal contexts to indicate the action of consuming something quickly, especially liquids or pills.

• She downed the glass of water in one gulp

Used to describe the sound or action of something moving slowly and steadily, often with a rhythmic noise. Commonly applied to the sound of an old engine or someone drinking a liquid quickly.

• The old car began to chug up the steep hill
• He chugged the bottle of water after the long run

A more specific term for the main engine of a train. It is synonymous with 'locomotive' but may be used in more everyday language.

• The train engine was an impressive sight as it roared down the tracks
• Maintenance of the train engine is essential for safe travel

Specifically refers to the engine of a train, particularly the vehicle that provides the motive power for a train.

• The locomotive pulled the long train across the countryside
• Locomotives have evolved significantly since the first steam engines

Refers to the primary machine that converts different forms of energy into mechanical work, typically found in vehicles, machinery, or devices.

• The car has a powerful engine that makes it very fast
• The engineers worked on improving the engine's efficiency