bevel

[ bev-uhl ]

noun

1. the inclination that one line or surface makes with another when not at right angles.
2. a surface that does not form a right angle with adjacent surfaces. Compare chamfer.
3. (of a lock bolt) the oblique end that hits the strike plate.
4. (of a lock with a beveled bolt) the side facing in the same direction as the bevel at the end of the bolt. Compare regular bevel, reverse bevel.
5. bevel square.
6. an adjustable instrument for drawing angles or adjusting the surface of work to a particular inclination.
7. Printing. beard ( def 5 ).

verb (used with or without object)

, bev·eled, bev·el·ing or (especially British) bev·elled, bev·el·ling.

1. to cut or slant at a bevel:

   to bevel an edge to prevent splintering.

adjective

1. Also beveled; especially British, bevelled. oblique; sloping; slanted.

bevel

/ ˈbɛvəl /

noun

1. 1. Also calledcant a surface that meets another at an angle other than a right angle Compare chamfer
   2. ( as modifier )

      a bevel edge

      bevel square

verb

1. intr to be inclined; slope
2. tr to cut a bevel on (a piece of timber, etc)

Derived Forms

• ˈbevelled, adjective
• ˈbeveller, noun

Other Words From

• bev·el·er especially British, bev·el·ler noun
• un·bev·eled especially British, un·bev·elled adjective
• un·der·bev·el·ing especially British, un·der·bev·el·ling noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bevel¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from unattested Middle French bevel ( French béveau, biveau ), unattested Old French baivel, equivalent to baïf “with open mouth” ( ba(er) “to gape” ( bay ² ) + -if adjective suffix) + -el, from Latin -ellus noun suffix; -ive, -elle

Word History and Origins

Origin of bevel¹

C16: from Old French bevel (unattested), from baïf , from baer to gape; see bay ¹

Example Sentences

This flat piece will have beveled edges and it will be secured to the roof ridge board.

From Seattle Times

Often, the city’s answer is a temporary bevel and shim fix — either grinding down edges on cracked sidewalks or adding a small amount of asphalt to bridge the gaps.

From Seattle Times

“I wanted to keep the planters very linear, without any beveling on the edges, and that informed my material choice,” she says.

From Seattle Times

A St. Patrick’s Day decoration hung on the other side of the beveled glass door as I buzzed the receptionist.

From Los Angeles Times

According to Adidas, the Weagle design on the front of the sweater features a “combination of sublimation and classic twill embroidery,” producing a bevel effect.

From Washington Post