1
: jaw
2
a
: mouth
b
: the fleshy covering of the jaws
a dog licking its chops
3
: embouchure
broadly : the technical facility of a musical performer
4
: expertise in a particular field or activity
acting chops

Examples of chops in a Sentence

that pianist really doesn't yet have the musical chops to do that piece justice the toddler popped a candy into his chops and grinned stickily

Word History

Etymology

alteration of chap entry 3

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chops was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near chops

Cite this Entry

“Chops.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chops. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

chops

plural noun
1
2
: the fleshy covering of the jaws

More from Merriam-Webster on chops

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