Definition of chip verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

chip

verb

tʃɪp

tʃɪp

chipping, chipped1 [transitive, intransitive] chip (something) to damage something by breaking a small piece off it; to become damaged in this waya badly chipped saucerShe chipped one of her front teeth.These plates chip easily.2 [transitive] chip something + adverb/preposition to cut or break small pieces off something with a toolChip away the damaged area.The fossils had been chipped out of the rock.It took a long time to chip a hole in the wall.It needs skill to chip a block of stone into a recognizable shape.3 [transitive, intransitive] chip (something) (especially in golf and football ( soccer )) to hit or kick the ball so that it goes high in the air and then lands within a short distance4 [transitive] chip potatoes (British English) to cut potatoes into long thin pieces and fry them in deep oil5 [transitive] chip something to put a microchip under the skin of a dog or other animal so that it can be identified if it is lost or stolen

Phrasal verbs

chip away at something

to keep breaking small pieces off somethingHe was chipping away at the stone. (figurative) They chipped away at the power of the government (= gradually made it weaker).

chip in (with something)

(informal)1 to join in or interrupt a conversation; to add something to a conversation or discussionPete and Anne chipped in with suggestions.+ speech ‘That's different,’ she chipped in.2 (also chip in something) to give some money so that a group of people can buy something together

Synonym

contributeIf everyone chips in we'll be able to buy her a really nice present.We each chipped in (with) £5.

chip off

chip something off

to damage something by breaking a small piece off it; to be damaged in this wayHe chipped off a piece of his tooth.The paint had chipped off.