Meaning of the word chum in English

What does chum mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

chum

US /tʃʌm/
UK /tʃʌm/

Noun

1.

a close friend

Example:
He's been my best chum since elementary school.
They were old chums from college.
2.

chopped fish or fish parts used as bait to attract other fish

Example:
The fishermen threw chum into the water to attract sharks.
The boat left a trail of chum as it moved through the fishing grounds.

Verb

1.

to be a close friend with someone

Example:
They used to chum together all the time in high school.
He likes to chum with the popular kids.
2.

to scatter chopped fish or fish parts into the water to attract other fish

Example:
The captain instructed the crew to chum the waters for tuna.
We spent the morning chumming for mackerel.