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

• 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

One of the most appealing elements is the living area with two large arches, carved into a partition to create a smooth transition between the living room and kitchen. —Ludovica Stevan, Architectural Digest, 24 Aug. 2025

Others are also carving out a more conciliatory tone with Trump voters. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025

Flash forward and Dennings has carved out an impressive career. —Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 23 Aug. 2025

The girl carved Jin’s first name into her leg as directed and sent him a photograph of the result, prosecutors say. —City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025

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