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

Various fixtures have been auctioned off, including an atrium fountain carved out of pink stone in Guadalajara with dolphin ornaments. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 14 Nov. 2025

The dinner buffet features a variety of entrees and sides, plus carving stations with turkey and prime rib, salad, seafood and dessert stations. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 14 Nov. 2025

As the tilt lessens, the ice retreats again, carving and refilling terrain in rhythmic cycles that mirror Earth's own glacial epochs. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 14 Nov. 2025

In an industry that often confines its actors, especially women and especially Black women, Hall continues to carve a path defined by risk, depth and courage. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 14 Nov. 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