The dog was gnawing a bone. He nervously gnawed on his fingernails. Rabbits have gnawed at the hedge. Rabbits had gnawed a hole in the hedge.
Recent Examples on the WebWhile Jack is supportive and excited, the question of paternity continues to gnaw at him. Amethyst Tate, PEOPLE.com, 8 July 2022 He is gone now, and the waves gnaw at the shore and the island slowly sinks into the sea. Rafil Kroll-zaidi, Harper’s Magazine , 17 Aug. 2022 While Jack is supportive and excited, the question of paternity continues to gnaw at him. Amethyst Tate, PEOPLE.com, 8 July 2022 While Jack is supportive and excited, the question of paternity continues to gnaw at him. Amethyst Tate, PEOPLE.com, 8 July 2022 Despite the agreement, analysts say the economic fallout from the war has begun to gnaw at European unity against Moscow. Paul Hannon, WSJ, 31 May 2022 Those numbers gnaw at swimming instructor Beverly Iseghohi as summer approaches and people flock to pools, beaches and lakes to cool down and have fun. Ernie Suggs, ajc, 25 May 2022 Voles go for grass, but also gnaw on shrubs and stems nearest their holes and runways.oregonlive, 16 May 2022 As the creepy events around Harper grow more malevolent, easy explanations are scarce, but the film is littered with symbolism beyond its central casting, giving viewers plenty to gnaw on during repeat viewings. David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 May 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English gnawen, from Old English gnagan; akin to Old High German gnagan to gnaw