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

Many standard policies carve out exceptions for disruptions due to war, undeclared war, civil disorder, rebellion, military activity or government intervention, experts said. —Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026

While each month’s launch window is about two weeks, the specific days carved out as launch options were based on keeping the crew safe. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026

The designers certainly seized on a volcanic narrative—the dark lava rock remains, setting a sultry tone and carving out a serene central pool. —Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026

Everglades restoration can help fortify the region as the climate warms by carving out space for more freshwater to remain on the landscape. —Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 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