What does noshed mean?
Noshed is the past tense of the informal verb nosh, meaning to eat a light meal, snack, or casual serving of food. It is especially frequent in American English, where it often appears in phrases such as noshed on, followed by a food or meal. The word carries a relaxed, everyday tone and suggests eating informally, perhaps between larger meals, rather than dining formally. Nosh can also function as a noun for a snack or light meal, so the related expression have a nosh is readily understood. The verb is useful when a speaker wants to describe eating with an unceremonious or indulgent tone. Although noshed is not limited to American usage, it is markedly more common there than in standard British English.
verbNoshed is the past tense of nosh, an informal word meaning to eat a light meal or snack. It is especially common in casual American English.
- To eat a light meal or snack, especially informally or without much ceremony.
"After the long drive, we noshed on some sandwiches and chips."
"They noshed on pizza while reviewing the notes."
"The children noshed happily while the storm passed overhead."
A small meal can be a nosh, and once you have eaten it, you have noshed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does noshed come from?
The verb derives from the noun nosh, an informal word for food or a light meal. The precise origin of nosh is uncertain, although it is often associated with Yiddish nush, meaning food, and the word is especially characteristic of American English. Its appearance in English during the mid-20th century reflects the broader borrowing of Yiddish vocabulary into American speech.
Related word forms
How noshed is actually used
This is informal and conversational, more common in American English than British English. It often suggests eating between formal meals or eating without ceremony, and can imply that the food is enjoyable or satisfying.
Easily confused with noshed
Noshed means to eat a snack or light meal, whereas nursed means to care for someone or something, especially when they are ill.