First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
gnaw
verb \ˈnȯ\
: to bite or chew (something) repeatedly
: to make (a hole in something) by chewing
Full Definition of GNAW
transitive verb
1
a : to bite or chew on with the teeth; especially : to wear away by persistent biting or nibbling <a dog gnawing a bone> b : to make by gnawing <rats gnawed a hole>
2
a : to be a source of vexation to : plague <anxiety always gnawing him> b : to affect like gnawing <hunger gnawing her vitals>
intransitive verb
1
: to bite or nibble persistently <gnawing at his underlip>
2
: to produce an effect of or as if of gnawing <waves gnawing away at the cliffs>
— gnaw·er \ˈnȯ(-ə)r\ noun
See gnaw defined for English-language learners
See gnaw defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of GNAW
Middle English gnawen, from Old English gnagan; akin to Old High German gnagan to gnaw
GNAW Defined for Kids
gnaw
verb \ˈnȯ\
gnawedgnaw·ing
Definition of GNAW for Kids
: to bite so as to wear away : bite or chew upon <The dog gnawed a bone.>
Learn More About GNAW
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up gnaw? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).