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

What's more, that hostility that led lawmakers in Indianapolis to kill state funding for public broadcasting no longer seems carved in stone. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 26 July 2026

For many the agency has lost its way (unless your public comments serve to restrict gopher tortoises, or applaud bear hunts or cheer for a high-speed roadway carved through conservation lands). — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026

For one former New York Yankees outfielder, returning to Major League Baseball has provided a new perspective after nearly a decade spent carving out a career as a respected defensive reserve. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Minimalists understand the value in carving out a bit of time to clean up the kitchen each morning before heading out for the day, Millie Naor, the founder of Bella Organizers, notes. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 25 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