First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1chalk
noun \ˈchȯk\
: a type of soft, light-colored rock
: a substance that is made into white or colored sticks and used for writing or drawing
: a piece of chalk
Full Definition of CHALK
1
a : a soft white, gray, or buff limestone composed chiefly of the shells of foraminifers b : a prepared form of chalk or a material resembling chalk especially when used (as for writing on blackboards) as a crayon
2
a : a mark made with chalk b British : a point scored in a game
— chalky \ˈchȯ-kē\ adjective
See chalk defined for English-language learners
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Origin of CHALK
Middle English, from Old English cealc, from Latin calc-, calx lime; akin to Greek chalix pebble
Other Geology Terms
2chalk
verb
: to write or draw (something) with chalk
: to mark (something) with chalk
Full Definition of CHALK
transitive verb
1
: to write or draw with chalk
2
: to rub or mark with chalk
3
intransitive verb
: to become chalky <the paint had begun to chalk>
See chalk defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CHALK
1580
CHALK Defined for Kids
1chalk
noun \ˈchȯk\
Definition of CHALK for Kids
1
: a soft white, gray, or buff limestone made up mainly of the shells of tiny saltwater animals
2
: a material like chalk especially when used for writing or drawing
2chalk
verb
chalkedchalk·ing
Definition of CHALK for Kids
: to rub, mark, write, or draw with chalk
— chalk up
1
: to attribute to a supposed cause or source <Her mistakes can be chalked up to inexperience.>
2
: to earn or achieve <The business chalked up large profits.>
Medical Dictionary
chalk
noun \ˈchȯk\
Medical Definition of CHALK
: a soft white, gray, or buff limestone composed chiefly of the shells of foraminifers and sometimes used medicinally as a source of calcium carbonate—called also creta; see precipitated chalk, prepared chalk
—chalky \ˈchȯ-kē\ adjective
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