“Chop” usually means to cut something into smaller pieces with a quick, sharp motion. It can also mean to hit something hard, or in some informal uses, to remove or cancel something.
People use “chop” most often when talking about food, wood, or other things that need to be cut up fast. In everyday English, you might hear it in phrases like “chop onions,” “chop wood,” or “get the chop,” depending on the situation.
Meaning & Usage
In the most common sense, “chop” means to cut something into pieces. For example, a cook chops vegetables before making a meal. It can also be used as a verb in other contexts, like chopping down a tree or chopping a hand through the air to show a sharp movement.
Examples
“Please chop the carrots into small pieces.”
“He chopped wood for the fire.”
“The company gave him the chop,” meaning he lost his job.
What does “chop” mean in cooking?
In cooking, “chop” means to cut food into small pieces quickly, usually with a knife.
Can “chop” mean something else?
Yes. It can also mean to cut down, hit sharply, or, in some informal British English, to dismiss someone from a job.
Is “chop” the same as “cut”?
Not exactly. “Chop” usually suggests a faster, rougher cutting action, while “cut” is more general.
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