verb

chug

chuhg

verb

To move or run with a repeated dull, laboured sound, as an engine does.

"The old tractor chugged slowly up the hill."

Informal: to drink a large amount quickly and continuously, without stopping.

"He chugged the whole can of soda in one go."

noun

A dull, repeated, laboured sound, as of an engine working.

"You could hear the chug of the old boat's engine from the shore."

How to Use Chug

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo move (or drink) with a slow, repeated, effortful sound or motion.

Common pairings

chug along chug a beer engine chugging

chugged past tense, chugged past tense, chugs plural, chugs plural, chugs singular, chugs singular

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Test yourself on “chug” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Can you complete this real example?

You could hear the _____ of the old boat's engine from the shore.

Imitative of the sound made by a labouring steam engine.

hug thug