engrave

verb

en·​grave in-ˈgrāv 

en-

engraved; engraving

transitive verb

1

a

: to impress deeply as if with a graver

the incident was engraved in his memory

b

: to form by incision (as on wood or metal)

2

a

: to cut figures, letters, or designs on for printing

also : to print from an engraved plate

an engraved invitation

b

: photoengrave

engraver noun

Synonyms of engrave

• etch
• inscribe
• carve

Examples of engrave in a Sentence

They will engrave your initials on the ring for free.

She had the ring engraved with her initials.

The image was engraved on the plaque.

Recent Examples on the Web

European-style art is engraved into the balcony walls, evoking the grand aura of classical theaters from past centuries. —Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026

Just their names — Austin, Paris, Hercules, Christopher Sheels, Richmond, Giles, Oney Judge, Moll and Joe — remain engraved into a cement wall. —Tassanee Vejpongsa, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2026

Their names remain engraved on a cement wall at the entrance. —Tassanee Vejpongsa, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026

This playful and comprehensive biographical documentary from director David Alvarado spends time with a deserving trailblazer whose name and accomplishments perhaps aren’t engraved in the American consciousness, but should be. —Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French engraver, from en- + graver to grave, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English grafan to grave

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing engrave

• re-engrave

Rhymes for engrave

• agave
• behave
• concave
• conclave
• enclave
• enslave
• forgave
• landgrave
• margrave
• shortwave
• aftershave
• architrave

Kids Definition

engrave

verb

en·​grave in-ˈgrāv 

engraved; engraving

1

: to impress deeply

the incident was engraved in my memory

2

a

: to cut or carve (as letters or designs) on a hard surface

b

: to cut lines, letters, figures, or designs on or into (a hard surface) often for use in printing

c

: to print from a cut surface

an engraved wedding invitation

engraver noun