carve

verb

ˈkärv How to pronounce carve (audio)
carved; carving
Synonyms of carvenext

transitive verb

1
: to cut with care or precision
carved fretwork
2
: to make or get by or as if by cutting
—often used with out
carve out a career
3
: to cut into pieces or slices
carved the turkey

intransitive verb

1
: to cut up and serve meat
2
: to work as a sculptor or engraver
carver noun

Synonyms of carve

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Examples of carve in a Sentence

We carved an ice sculpture. Who is going to carve the turkey? He carved while I made the gravy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The bespoke bottle is carved out in front of guests, who can then take it home as a memento. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 29 Aug. 2026 He’s even carved out an important role on special teams, too, working with the punt return, kick return and kick coverage units. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026 If the Legislature rolls over on this, why wouldn’t every other coastal developer line up and ask for an exemption, and will carve-outs go to the biggest campaign donors? — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Markey, a longtime progressive, and Moulton, who has carved out a moderate stance in Congress, are both calling for new guardrails on AI. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for carve

Word History

Etymology

Middle English kerven, from Old English ceorfan; akin to Old High German kerban to notch, Greek graphein to scratch, write

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of carve was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing carve

Rhymes for carve

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Browse Nearby Words

carvacryl
carve
carved/etched/set/written in stone
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Cite this Entry

“Carve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carve. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

carve

verb
ˈkärv How to pronounce carve (audio)
carved; carving
1
: to cut with care or exactness
2
: to cut into pieces or slices
3
: to cut up and serve meat
carver noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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