bevel

1 of 3

adjective

bev·​el ˈbe-vəl How to pronounce bevel (audio)
: oblique, beveled
a bevel edge

bevel

2 of 3

noun

1
: an instrument consisting of two rules or arms jointed together and opening to any angle for drawing angles or adjusting surfaces to be cut at an angle
2
a
: the angle that one surface or line makes with another when they are not at right angles
b
: the slant of such a surface or line
c
: the surface or line at such a slant or inclination
3
: the part of printing type extending from face to shoulder

Illustration of bevel

Illustration of bevel
  • bevel 2c

bevel

3 of 3

verb

beveled or bevelled; beveling or bevelling ˈbev-liŋ How to pronounce bevel (audio)
ˈbe-və-

transitive verb

: to cut or shape to a bevel

Examples of bevel in a Sentence

Noun the bevel of the mirror Verb a tool that is used for beveling wood
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Here, the nut on the left marks the point at which this bevel head bolt will be cut to length. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 19 Jan. 2023 The flat method requires adjusting the saw blade to make both a bevel and miter cut. Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 22 Nov. 2022 Even Ducati, founded in 1926 to make radios, didn’t produce its first motorbike until 1949, and by the early 1980s was nearly out of business, saved by investors and modern designs far removed from its original bevel-drive power plants. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2021 Adjustments may be made quickly with a lever that lowers and raises the base plate and an adjustment knob at the front sets the bevel angle. Cary Jenkins, Arkansas Online, 22 May 2021 German knives typically have a bevel edge between 20 and 22 degrees on each side. Marni Jameson, orlandosentinel.com, 18 Dec. 2020 German knives typically have a bevel edge of between 20 and 22 degrees on each side. Marni Jameson | Contributing Writer, NOLA.com, 15 Dec. 2020
Noun
The touch bevel design gives it a sleek look while the AMOLED display creates a vividly bright and colorful watch face (which can be set to always-on, by the way). Cierra Cowan, PCMAG, 31 Jan. 2024 This miter saw can also make bevel cuts up to 45 degrees on the left. Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Oct. 2023 The cutting surface on a chainsaw’s cutter is a curved bevel, and the file fits into that curved bevel. Joe Truini, Popular Mechanics, 10 July 2023 The pre-set bevel stops are at 0 and 45 degrees to the left. Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Oct. 2023 The paintings are set into the frame of a slight bevel, turning them into dioramas, or a series of windows. Nicola Twilley, The New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2023 There might be some light scuffs and scratches on the case or bevel, and the hardware specs are relatively low in comparison to modern iPads. Stack Commerce, Popular Science, 14 Sep. 2023 The sharpening wheel is what is refining the bevel on the edge of the knife blade. Meg Carney, Field & Stream, 21 Sep. 2023 Now match the second set of cuts: Start at the bottom sides and cut down—at an angle again rather than straight down—to make bevels. Hugh Garvey, Sunset Magazine, 7 Sep. 2023
Verb
Unlike the similarly shaped usuba, which is single beveled, a nakiri can be used by lefties and righties alike and is easier to sharpen. Lauren Joseph, Bon Appétit, 17 July 2023 The mat has a non-slip design at the bottom, a smooth surface to stand on, and beveled edges that help prevent tripping. Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 26 July 2023 The blade is also double beveled, which means both sides are equally sharp. Lauren Joseph, Bon Appétit, 17 July 2023 Take a light touch at first when beveling or grinding down flat areas. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 30 Mar. 2023 Silvestri arrived ready for a day of dancing, and did just that, doing high kicks and learning how to bevel. Catherine Garcia, The Week, 4 May 2023 The knives are labeled as being beveled to 15 degrees, which is characteristic of Japanese-style knives. Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 20 Apr. 2023 Either way, this beveled light mirror is a good option for those yearning for a bit of glamour. Isiah Magsino, Town & Country, 24 Mar. 2023 This rubber pick is 0.75 inches thick and features beveled edges to keep the mat in place. Addie Morton, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2023

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French *bevel, from Old French *baivel, from baïf with open mouth, from baer to yawn — more at abeyance

First Known Use

Adjective

1609, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1678, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of bevel was in 1609

Dictionary Entries Near bevel

Cite this Entry

“Bevel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bevel. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

bevel

1 of 2 noun
bev·​el ˈbev-əl How to pronounce bevel (audio)
1
: the angle that one surface or line makes with another when they are not at right angles
2
: the slant of a bevel

bevel

2 of 2 verb
beveled or bevelled; beveling or bevelling
ˈbev-(ə-)liŋ
: to cut or shape (as an edge) so as to form a bevel

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