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

“We at SAG-AFTRA are proud to include this esteemed group of trained professionals as the newest to join our member body. May this continue to carve the path of elevated consideration for the feelings of safety for people and planet.”

From Los Angeles Times

In his interview, Ho sought to carve a massive loophole into the 14th Amendment.

From Slate

She has always managed to carve out a place.

From Los Angeles Times

He has found a peace by trying to carve out the role of Prince of Wales in his own way.

From BBC

Individuals given licence to roll out heads-up rugby and "play what you see" is good, but so are patterns, structures and plays that work in tandem to collectively tenderise and carve through a defence.

From BBC

Related Words

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