carve

[ kahrv ]

verb (used with object)

, carved, carv·ing.

1. to cut (a solid material) so as to form something:

   to carve a piece of pine.

2. to form from a solid material by cutting:

   to carve a statue out of stone.

3. to cut into slices or pieces, as a roast of meat.
4. to decorate with designs or figures cut on the surface:

   The top of the box was beautifully carved with figures of lions and unicorns.

5. to cut (a design, figures, etc.) on a surface:

   Figures of lions and unicorns were carved on the top of the box.

6. to make or create for oneself (often followed by out ):

   He carved out a career in business.

verb (used without object)

, carved, carv·ing.

1. to carve figures, designs, etc.
2. to cut meat.

carve

/ kɑːv /

verb

1. tr to cut or chip in order to form something

   to carve wood

2. to decorate or form (something) by cutting or chipping

   to carve statues

3. to slice (meat) into pieces

   to carve a turkey

Other Words From

• carver noun
• re·carve verb recarved recarving
• semi·carved adjective
• un·carved adjective
• under·carve verb (used with object) undercarved undercarving
• well-carved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of carve¹

before 1000; Middle English kerven, Old English ceorfan to cut; cognate with Middle Low German kerven, German kerben, Greek gráphein to mark, write; graph

Word History and Origins

Origin of carve¹

Old English ceorfan; related to Old Frisian kerva, Middle High German kerben to notch

Example Sentences

The Cincinnati Bengals carved up the Baltimore Ravens for 470 yards last week.

From Los Angeles Times

Unseen forces drive a massive plateau of rock upward, carving spectacular features that one day will have names: Grand Canyon, Arches, Monument Valley.

From Los Angeles Times

Lineker built on that experience, writing all his own scripts and carving out a role for himself.

From BBC

She has always managed to carve out a place.

From Los Angeles Times

He has carved up the coalition of the ascendant.

From BBC

Related Words

• chisel
• divide
• engrave
• etch
• fashion
• hack
• mold
• sculpt
• shape
• slice