chalk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral
Quick answer
What does “chalk” mean?
a soft white or grey limestone used for writing or drawing, or a stick made from this material.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a soft white or grey limestone used for writing or drawing, or a stick made from this material.
a substance or concept associated with measurement, comparison, or opposition; also, the figurative state of being decidedly different (as in 'chalk and cheese').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb form 'to chalk up' (meaning to attribute or score) is common in both, but 'to chalk' (meaning to mark with chalk) is more prevalent in UK English. The idiom 'by a long chalk' (by far) is exclusively British.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes simplicity, impermanence, and traditional teaching. In sports, 'chalk' can refer to a favored team/player in betting (US).
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English due to specific idioms and the verb usage. In US English, it's primarily associated with the concrete object and the phrasal verb 'chalk up'.
Grammar
How to Use “chalk” in a Sentence
chalk something up to somethingchalk something on somethingbe like chalk and cheeseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chalk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The waiter chalked the daily specials on the board.
- He chalked the cue tip before taking the shot.
American English
- Let's chalk up last night's loss to fatigue.
- The team chalked up another victory.
adjective
British English
- The cliffs are made of chalk rock.
- She had chalk-white knuckles from gripping the rail.
American English
- The chalk dust made her sneeze.
- They followed the chalk line on the pavement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'We'll chalk that quarter up as a learning experience.'
Academic
Concrete object in education; also in geology as a type of rock.
Everyday
Referring to the object used on blackboards, sidewalks, or in sports like billiards and rock climbing.
Technical
A sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcite shells of microorganisms.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chalk”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chalk”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chalk”
- Using 'a chalk' as a countable noun without 'piece of' or 'stick of' (e.g., 'He gave me a chalk' is unnatural).
- Confusing 'chalk it up' with 'write it down' (it means 'attribute it to').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. As a material, it's uncountable (e.g., 'a lump of chalk'). As a manufactured stick, it's countable with 'piece of' or 'stick of' (e.g., 'three pieces of chalk').
Chalk is specifically calcium carbonate, hard and dusty, used on blackboards or rough surfaces. Pastels are softer, made with pigment and a binder, used for artistic drawing.
It is understood but is far less common than in British English. Americans are more likely to say 'like apples and oranges' for the same meaning.
Yes, but primarily in the phrasal verb 'chalk up' (to score or attribute). The simple verb meaning 'to mark with chalk' is less common and might be perceived as British.
a soft white or grey limestone used for writing or drawing, or a stick made from this material.
Chalk is usually neutral in register.
Chalk: in British English it is pronounced /tʃɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “chalk and cheese”
- “by a long chalk”
- “chalk it up to experience”
- “not by a long chalk”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a teacher's TALK at the board, which starts with a CHALK.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHALK IS IMPERMANENCE / CHALK IS A RECORDING TOOL (e.g., chalk up a win).
Practice
Quiz
What does the phrasal verb 'chalk something up' primarily mean?