Definition of chopping block

The phrase "chopping block" refers to a large sturdy surface used for cutting or chopping food, typically made of heavy wood. The origin of this term can be traced back to the 18th century when butchers used a similar wooden surface called a "block" to prepare meat for slaughter. This block, known as a "dresser," was typically located in a designated area of the butcher shop called the "dressing room." Over time, the term "dresser" came to be associated not only with the butcher's block but also extended to other surfaces that shared similar characteristics. Eventually, the term "chopping block" became the standard term used to describe any large wooden surface used for cutting or chopping foods, especially in the context of cooking and food preparation. So, today, when we say "chopping block," the image of a sturdy wooden surface used for cutting goes straight back to the time when butchers used similar surfaces to prepare meat for slaughter.