engrave

verb

en·​grave in-ˈgrāv 

en-

engraved; engraving

transitive verb

1

a

: to impress deeply as if with a graver

the incident was engraved in his memory

b

: to form by incision (as on wood or metal)

2

a

: to cut figures, letters, or designs on for printing

also : to print from an engraved plate

an engraved invitation

b

: photoengrave

engraver noun

Synonyms of engrave

• etch
• inscribe
• carve

Examples of engrave in a Sentence

They will engrave your initials on the ring for free.

She had the ring engraved with her initials.

The image was engraved on the plaque.

Recent Examples on the Web

Fowler also engraved the guests’ names on their floral bud vases upon leaving the baby shower. —Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025

But in all realities, the E3 uses two auto-focus points – like a stereo range finder – for engraving over uneven or concave/convex surfaces. —New Atlas, 14 Nov. 2025

Tiny symbols engraved into ancient Roman drinkware may be more than merely decorative accents. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2025

But there were obvious omissions; people with military headstones — the type engraved with a name, a branch and a war fought — weren’t on the list. —Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 11 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French engraver, from en- + graver to grave, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English grafan to grave

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing engrave

• re-engrave

Rhymes for engrave

• agave
• behave
• concave
• conclave
• enclave
• enslave
• forgave
• landgrave
• margrave
• shortwave
• aftershave
• architrave

Kids Definition

engrave

verb

en·​grave in-ˈgrāv 

engraved; engraving

1

: to impress deeply

the incident was engraved in my memory

2

a

: to cut or carve (as letters or designs) on a hard surface

b

: to cut lines, letters, figures, or designs on or into (a hard surface) often for use in printing

c

: to print from a cut surface

an engraved wedding invitation

engraver noun