etching

noun

etch·​ing ˈe-chiŋ How to pronounce etching (audio)
1
a
: the action or process of etching
b
: the art of producing pictures or designs by printing from an etched metal plate
2
a
: an etched design
b
: an impression from an etched plate

Examples of etching in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The artists use etching and other techniques to craft pictures that contrast hard and seemingly soft forms. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 16 Feb. 2024 Here, sensuous, delicate etchings provide a wonderful counterpoint to the drama of Mallarmé’s poetry, with complex images rendered in a few lines. Barbara Schreiber, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Morgan’s Study for the Dead Christ, by Van Dyck from about 1635, is there along with Rembrandt etchings treating specific passages in the New Testament. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 18 Jan. 2024 The building floors are full of terrazzo tile and tiny details from floor to ceiling – etchings of basketballs and record albums on the ground, net motifs accenting lighting fixtures on the ceilings. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 6 Feb. 2024 It’s followed by a trio of strong etchings by Thiebaud. Victoria Dalkey, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024 The differing amount of stomach acid etching on the prey remnants indicates the animals may have been consumed within hours or days as separate meals. Jeanne Timmons, Scientific American, 8 Dec. 2023 Earlier etchings can be seen behind it, possibly obscured by covering the surface with cave dirt. Samuel Axon and Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 5 June 2023 Other paintings and etchings of the Mediterranean city-state indicate its lagoon froze over at least twice more in the 18th century, in 1789 and 1791. Tim Brinkhof, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'etching.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of etching was in 1634

Dictionary Entries Near etching

Cite this Entry

“Etching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/etching. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

etching

noun
etch·​ing ˈech-iŋ How to pronounce etching (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of etching a hard material
b
: the art of printing from an etched metal plate
2
a
: a product of etching
b
: a print made from an etched metal plate
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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