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 most coveted stays are the suites carved from former racquetball courts—dramatic, loft-like spaces with soaring ceilings that nod to the building’s past. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Mar. 2026

Winning in the city where the Cincinnati product came through with an NCAA singles title turned out to be a tough chore against the 29-year-old Townsend, who has won over hardcore tennis fans as a super mom who's carved out a fine career of a decade-plus. —Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 2 Mar. 2026

Exceptions were carved out for students with health needs, emergencies or teacher permission for educational reasons. —Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026

The city’s local youth and high school sports have also carved out a place in the city’s sports history. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 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