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,
ˈbe-və- How to pronounce bevel (audio)

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
Noun
The bezel is decorated with a vertical satin-brush that provides a contrast with the highly polished bevel. Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 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, 8 Oct. 2024
Verb
The notched lugs are mirror-polished, curved, and beveled, providing further contrast and lending the entire assemblage a slight pocket watch inspiration. Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2024 This weightless flatiron has beveled edges that can be used to create creaseless curls, too. Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bevel 

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 9 Nov. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on bevel

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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