A2noun1K

Chip

UK /["/tʃɪp/"]/US /["/tʃɪp/"]/

Definition

a long thin piece of potato fried in oil or fat

In simple words: A small piece of something, often a crisp snack or part of a larger object.

Examples

  • I ordered a burger with a side of chip.
  • He dropped the chip on the floor, and it broke into pieces.
  • She enjoys eating a chip while watching movies.
  • The computer's chip needs to be upgraded for better performance.
  • They installed a new chip in the device to enhance its capabilities.
  • I found a chip that can store a lot of data.
  • The child accidentally made a chip in the wooden table.

Usage notes

Commonly used to refer to a snack (like potato chips) or a small piece of material (like a wood chip). It is informal when used in phrases like 'chip in' (to contribute). Avoid formal writing when using it in slang or idiomatic expressions.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a poker chip — small and usually used in games.

Collocations

  • greasy
  • frozen
  • oven-ready
  • bag
  • plate
  • eat
  • have
  • live on
  • pan
  • shop
  • and chips
  • with chips
  • potato
  • tortilla
  • bag
  • chips and dip
  • chips and salsa

Synonyms

  • piece
  • fragment
  • sliver
  • shard
  • bit

Antonyms

  • block
  • whole
  • entity

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'chip' as a verb vs. 'chip' as a noun.
  • Using 'chips' when referring to just one piece.
  • Incorrectly pairing 'chip' with the wrong verb or preposition.