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

Each bag has an identifier carved discreetly into its interior, a number that is uniquely its own. —Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 28 Apr. 2026

Freepik carved a profitable niche for itself as one of the most popular online platforms for stock images, and the company helped establish Málaga as an emerging tech hub that has attracted companies like Google, Oracle, and Vodafone. —Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026

The jewel in the hotel’s crown is Italian restaurant Le Caravane, a sophisticated setting with low lighting and dark, carved wood panelling, serving the best Italian food outside of Italy—expect simple plates cooked to perfection (the lamb rack is really something special). —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026

The Maryland rapper continues to carve out a niche for himself in hushed ambient rap over a choice selection of psychedelic, nocturnal beats. —Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 27 Apr. 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