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

• sculpt
• sculpture

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

At other times, a pithy quotation is like a tour guide handing you a delicious insight about the canyon, cathedral, or carving you’re gazing at. —Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2025

Lawmakers in more than 30 states have carved out tax incentives for data center companies, arguing that without them, the data centers wouldn’t come—and that their presence is essential toward growing property and income tax revenue, and driving economic development. —Andrew R. Chow, Time, 25 Apr. 2025

Melanie has carved out a niche beyond traditional performance spaces as an adaptive yoga instructor to clients, using her platform to educate them about accessibility and inclusion. —Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

While both excelled on defense, Taylor has carved out his niche on offense by setting Tigers career records for receptions (129) and yards receiving (1,308) by a tight end. —Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025

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