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

According to the brothers, the home — despite appearing quite elegant, with its portico, white balustrade, five bedrooms, carved fireplaces and a music room — has long been in decay and would cost millions of dollars to restore. —Eric Adler may 12, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026

The winds across Antarctica's frozen landscape have carved incredible, swirling vortexes in the clouds above the icy terrain. —Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 12 May 2026

In the last decade, NFL pricing has increased by approximately 72%, as advertisers scramble to carve out some time in TV’s last great reach vehicle. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 May 2026

All of the buildings have these facades that are intricately carved in Baroque and Rococo designs. —AFAR Media, 11 May 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