chalk

white limestone / writing stick / to mark / to apply powder / to record debt

NounTransitive Verb

past: chalkedpp: chalkeding: chalking

This term refers to both a natural geological substance and the manufactured sticks used for writing. When referring to the material itself, it is treated as an uncountable mass noun, whereas the sticks used for writing are countable. In athletic contexts, the word evokes a specific ritual of preparation, where applying powder is essential for safety and performance. In financial or gaming contexts, the phrasal verb "chalk up" carries a connotation of accumulation, whether recording a victory or adding to a debt.

Meanings

Noun

A soft, white, porous sedimentary rock, a form of limestone composed of the mineral calcite, often used for writing or drawing on a blackboard.

"The teacher picked up a piece of chalk to write the equation on the board."

Noun

A stick of compressed powder made from gypsum or calcium carbonate used for writing or marking surfaces.

"He used a piece of blue chalk to mark the line on the pool table."

Transitive Verb

[~ something]

To mark or write on a surface using a piece of chalk.

"The coach chalked the boundaries of the field before the game started."

Transitive Verb

[~ one's hands]

To apply powdered magnesium carbonate to the hands to improve grip, typically in gymnastics or weightlifting.

"The athlete chalked her hands before attempting the pull-up."

Transitive Verb

[~ something up]

To record a debt or a score on a chalkboard or in a ledger for later payment or tallying.

"The bartender chalked the drink up to the customer's tab."

Last Updated: June 13, 2026•Report an Error