carve

verb

ˈkärv 

carved; carving

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

• sculpt

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

Our history is one of people carving a great civilization out of the wilderness. — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026

Between flights and investor meetings, the executive carves out time to explain economic swings, market volatility, and tech trends, all while touting Blackstone’s global reach. — Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 5 July 2026

With the field now set and the Round of 16 beginning Sunday, three of the 16 teams have carved their path through Kansas City. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026

The summer heat lifts, the medina turns walkable, and the dusk light sets the tilework and carved archways glowing. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing carve

• carve up

Rhymes for carve

• starve

Kids Definition

carve

verb

ˈkärv 

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