What does chuck mean?
Chuck is a versatile word whose dominant informal meaning is to throw or propel something carelessly, as in “chuck the ball over.” In British and American English it can also mean to discard or abandon something, especially in the phrase “chuck it.” As a noun, a chuck is a small piece cut from a larger piece of wood, meat, or another material; the related food term “chuck steak” comes from a large cut of beef. A second, more specialized noun sense refers to the adjustable device that holds a drill bit, lathe tool, or similar implement. The word is generally informal when used as a verb, so “chuck the rubbish” sounds conversational rather than formal. Its meanings range from everyday disposal and careless throwing to precise woodworking terminology.
To throw or propel something, especially in a casual or careless way; informally, to discard, abandon, or stop doing something.
"We should chuck the old chairs before moving house."
The discard and abandon senses are informal, particularly common in British and American conversational English.
A small piece cut from a larger piece, especially of wood or food; also, a tool-holding device such as a drill chuck.
"The butcher asked whether she wanted a chuck from the beef shoulder."
The tool-holding sense is technical, while the piece or food sense is more general and sometimes informal.
Used for separate small pieces cut from a larger piece, especially of wood or food.
"The carpenter cut several chucks from the remaining timber."
From a small piece of material to the tool that grips a drill bit, chuck has always had something to do with holding or moving things.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does chuck come from?
The noun comes through Middle English chucke, from Old French chucke, ultimately from a Latin word meaning a block or log, possibly related to Greek for a lump or mass. The verb developed in early modern English from the idea of throwing or moving a small piece and later acquired the broader sense of throwing carelessly. The word is related in origin to forms such as chock and choke.
Related word forms
How chuck is actually used
The verb is informal in most contexts, especially in the expressions 'chuck it' and 'chuck away,' where it can mean to abandon or stop doing something. The tool-holding sense is technical and is common in woodworking and machining.
Easily confused with chuck
A chock is a wedge or block used to prevent movement, whereas a chuck is usually a piece cut from a larger material or a device that holds a tool.
Check means to inspect, verify, or stop something, while chuck in its verbal senses means to throw, discard, or abandon something.