rhizoverbBeta
DictionarychumFish bait
noun / verb

chum

Chopped fish or other scraps used to attract fish.

The fisherman scatters chum beside the boat to attract fish.

Etymology
chumProbable sourceScotsfood

Probably from Scots chum, “food,” applied to scraps scattered as fish bait. The deeper origin is uncertain.

More examples

  • They chummed the water before casting.
  • A bucket of chum stood near the rail.
  • The crew is chumming along the edge of the current.

Forms

chum · chums · chummed · chumming

Similar words

bait
The broader attraction, not specifically scattered chopped scraps.
lure
A lure can be an artificial object rather than scattered edible scraps.