carve

[kahrv]

verb (used with object)

carved, carving 

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 byout ).

   He carved out a career in business.

verb (used without object)

carved, carving 

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 Word Forms

• carver noun
• recarve verb
• semicarved adjective
• uncarved adjective
• undercarve verb (used with object)
• 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 duchess took on a regular round of royal duties, but throughout her life she also carved out an individual path.

From BBC

Gay “has intentionally and artfully carved out spaces to create opportunities for writers, readers and emerging publishing professionals of all backgrounds,” says David Steinberger, chair of the National Book Foundation’s board.

From Los Angeles Times

That plea may be wise, as while The Paper will inevitably be compared to its predecessor, the creators and cast seem determined to carve out something distinct.

From BBC

"But Black Friday made some money so it was a nice moment of being independent, having success, and then being able to carve out time out to record live."

From BBC

The new map adds a congressional seat in a fast-growing suburban corridor but carves up parts of Houston, Dallas and Austin in ways Democrats argue weaken their representation.

From Salon

Related Words

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