What Does "CHORE" Mean? The Complete Chore Definition
The meaning of CHORE is a task or piece of work that is unpleasant, routine, or burdensome. In everyday English, the CHORE definition usually refers to household duties like cleaning, cooking, or taking out the trash, but it can also describe any tedious assignment, errand, or responsibility that feels like a hassle. As a verb, chore is rarely used in standard modern English, though people may still encounter forms like “choring” in some dialects or informal speech.
If you are asking what does CHORE mean, the core idea is something done out of necessity rather than enjoyment. The word can also appear in a broader sense to mean a tiresome undertaking, which is exactly why it can confuse word-game players. Chore origin traces back to Old English cierran / cyrrian through the idea of “turn” or “job,” later developing into the modern sense of a small but necessary task.
Chore Synonyms: Words Similar to CHORE
Synonyms for CHORE include words that capture its sense of work, nuisance, or tedious obligation.
- Task — A general term for work to be done; it is broader and less negative than chore.
- Errand — A short job or trip, often outside the home; it differs because it usually involves going somewhere.
- Burden — Suggests something heavy or emotionally taxing, making it stronger than a routine chore.
- Hassle — Emphasizes inconvenience and annoyance, which fits when a chore feels more frustrating than physical.
- Drudgery — Highlights dull, repetitive labor; this is closer to the “tedious undertaking” sense.
- Grind — Often used for ongoing hard work or repetition; it is less about one job and more about the overall experience.
- Trial — Focuses on difficulty or distress, so it fits when the chore feels like an ordeal.
How to Use "CHORE" in a Sentence: Real Examples
Here are a few CHORE in a sentence examples showing different contexts.
- Doing the laundry is a weekly chore that nobody in the house enjoys.
- For the team, organizing the files became a real chore after the deadline changed.
- I had to chore through the paperwork, step by step, until everything was finished.
- In conversation, someone might say, “This repair job is such a chore,” to mean it feels tedious and annoying.
CHORE in NYT Connections #1119 — Why Did It Appear?
In NYT Connections #1119 on 2026-04-15, CHORE appeared in the Green category, the hardest group, titled “TEDIOUS UNDERTAKING.” The other words were GRIND, HASSLE, and TRIAL, all pointing to something difficult, annoying, or draining. That makes CHORE meaning in word games especially important: it is not only a household duty, but also a word for a tiresome task. Players who didn’t spot the theme could easily misread it as only a domestic word, which is why this CHORE NYT Connections answer was so tricky.
For word-game strategy, CHORE is also a useful pattern word because it has a common consonant cluster, one vowel in the middle, and a familiar ending. While it is not a Wordle answer here, players often notice that it is compact, easy to pronounce, and built from common letters, which makes it a practical guess in letter games.
Chore Word Origin and Etymology
The CHORE origin is tied to English dialect history. The word developed from older forms connected to a “turn” or a piece of work assigned in turn, eventually narrowing into the sense of a routine duty. Over time, the meaning shifted from general labor to a small job, especially one that is repetitive, necessary, and often disliked.
As CHORE used in English became more common, the word settled into everyday speech as a noun for household responsibilities and tedious obligations. That evolution explains why the modern CHORE definition can cover both ordinary domestic work and any unpleasant task that feels like a grind. In literature and conversation, it often carries a mild negative tone without being overly formal.
Frequently Asked Questions About "CHORE"
What does CHORE mean? (Quick Answer)
The word CHORE means a routine task, especially one that is boring, unpleasant, or necessary. It can also refer to a tedious undertaking or burden.
Is "CHORE" a valid Scrabble word?
Yes. CHORE is a real word and a valid Scrabble word worth 10 points in standard English Scrabble. It is useful when you need a common C-word with balanced vowels and consonants.
What is the best synonym for CHORE?
The best CHORE synonym depends on context: task fits neutral everyday use, while drudgery fits a more negative, repetitive sense.
How do you pronounce CHORE?
CHORE pronunciation: /chôr/ — one syllable, stressed on the only syllable, like “chor” in “chore.”
Is CHORE used in everyday English?
Yes, CHORE used in English is very common in modern conversation, especially for household work or anything annoying and repetitive. Someone might say, “Laundry is my least favorite chore.”