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

The ancient cave dwellings carved into the ravine called the sassi can be explored on foot for free — perfect for curious kids who love to climb and explore. —Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2026

With the Dolphins trading wide receiver Jaylen Waddle last week, Atwell could carve out a major role in the offense with his speed and ability to extend the field, as well as elude tacklers in the open field with the ball in his hands. —David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026

The ancient cave dwellings carved into the ravine called the sassi can be explored on foot for free, and the region’s food and wine is outstanding at a fraction of northern Italy’s prices. —Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026

The Channel Islands archipelago was carved from plate tectonic forces. —Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 23 Mar. 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