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.