Definition

A type of animal, often a rodent, that gnaws or chews on things, especially wood or food.

Example

The gnawer chewed through the wooden furniture, leaving marks all over.

Conversation

Did you see that big hole in the wall of the shed?

Yeah, it looks like a gnawer has been at it.

I hope it’s not a rat or something worse!

Me too! We should check for any other signs of gnawer activity.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gnawer → The word is formed from "gnaw" (from Old English "gnagan", meaning to bite or chew) and the suffix "-er" (meaning a person who performs an action). A gnawer is a person or animal that bites or chews something persistently.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'biting' ('gnaw') on something repeatedly — that's what a gnawer does.

Visually Confused Words