chowder

1 of 2

verb

chow·​der ˈchau̇-dər How to pronounce chowder (audio)
chowdered; chowdering; chowders

transitive verb

: to make chowder of

chowder

2 of 2

noun

: a soup or stew of seafood (such as clams or fish) usually made with milk or tomatoes, salt pork, onions, and other vegetables (such as potatoes)
also : a soup resembling chowder
corn chowder

Examples of chowder in a Sentence

Noun a bowl of clam chowder
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The dish is spicy enough and not so thick with cream or flour and is a standout in the clam chowder world, according to Times reader Mary Ann Mollenkamp. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 Imagine someone forgot a bowl of New England clam chowder in the back of a cloth-upholstered car during the height of a Florida summer. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 25 Aug. 2026 There’s something special about visiting a small town where you’re greeted with hellos and warm smiles from every direction, whether ordering a New England clam chowder at a waterfront restaurant or browsing a collection of antiques. — Morgan Rizzo, Travel + Leisure, 20 Aug. 2026 With the combative midterms taking center stage after Labor Day, hurting Hollywood shouldn’t expect any real movement this year on any such federal credits or out of Sacramento …regardless of how good the clam chowder is. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chowder

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French chaudière kettle, contents of a kettle, from Late Latin caldaria — more at cauldron

First Known Use

Verb

1732, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1751, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chowder was in 1732

Phrases Containing chowder

Rhymes for chowder

See All Rhymes for chowder

Browse Nearby Words

chow chow
chowder
chowderhead
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chowder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chowder. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chowder

noun
chow·​der
ˈchau̇d-ər
: a soup or stew made of seafood with potatoes and onions and milk or tomatoes
also : a soup similar to chowder
corn chowder

More from Merriam-Webster on chowder

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chowder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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