carve

verb \ ˈkärv \

|Updated on: 16 Aug 2018

Examples: carve in a Sentence

Definition of carve

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

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carver

noun

See carve defined for English-language learners

See carve defined for kids

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 of carve from the Web

Cole Beasley, who in 2016 led the team with 75 catches, could carve out a substantial role, while trade-acquisition Tavon Austin is being hyped as a hybrid threat out of the backfield and behind the line of scrimmage.

— michael middlehurst-schwartz, USA TODAY, "Cowboys training camp questions: Who steps up at receiver for Dak Prescott?," 12 July 2018
Across the country, young professionals are carving out a new niche in second-tier cities where their wages go further.

— christa case bryant, The Christian Science Monitor, "How young liberals' moves to Red America may temper political divides," 6 July 2018
To keep it simple, carve your name onto the candle using a toothpick or other safe pointy object, along with symbols such as dollar signs that represent your desires.

— sophie saint thomas, Allure, "How to Harness the Magical Power of Each Moon Phase," 3 July 2018
Set in Saguaro National Park west of downtown, the trail carves a route through classic Sonoran landscape to the top of 4,687-foot-high Wasson Peak, the highest point in the Tucson Mountains.

— roger naylor, azcentral, "10 best hikes in Arizona show off state's diverse scenery," 13 July 2018
Sure, there are legendary rappers who have carved out a much bigger sonic and cultural imprint.

— stereo williams, Billboard, "Drake's 2018 Has Been Huge. But Is He the Biggest Rapper Ever?," 13 July 2018
In 2016, Scott signed a bill carving out the dental services.

— gray rohrer, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Scott helps donors who pad his campaign accounts, critics say," 13 July 2018
The World Butcher Challenge has teams of six carving a side of beef, a side of pork, a whole lamb and five chickens into salable pieces within three hours and 15 minutes.

— benjy egel, sacbee, "Sacramento beats out Paris and Sao Paulo to host 2020 World Butchers’ Challenge," 11 July 2018
Oklahoma State had a 4,000-yard passer in Brandon Weeden, a 1,500-yard receiver in Justin Blackmon and a 1,200-yard rusher in Joseph Randle, carving up defenses on the way to a 12–1 season.

— will mccollister, SI.com, "On the Outside Looking In: The Best Teams to Finish No. 3 in the BCS Era," 11 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'carve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of carve

Middle English kerven, from Old English ceorfan; akin to Old High German kerban to notch, Greek graphein to scratch, write

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

carve Synonyms

Synonyms

sculpt, sculpture;

knap;

cast, form, model, mold, shape;

CARVE Defined for English Language Learners

carve

verb

Definition of carve for English Language Learners

: to make (something, such as a sculpture or design) by cutting off pieces of the material it is made of
: to cut (something, such as a pattern or design) into a surface
: to create (something) by cutting into a surface