engrave

verb

en·​grave in-ˈgrāv How to pronounce engrave (audio)
en-
engraved; engraving
Synonyms of engravenext

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
engraver noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His brooch was from his jewelry brand Didris and had F1 engraved on the inside. Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026 The highlight of the Governors Ball, the first stop of the night for many winners after the Oscars, is the stage where victors get their Oscars engraved. Brittany Levine Beckman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026 The machines engrave writing and logos; the staff carves bigger shapes with chainsaws, chisels, and other handheld tools. Blair Braverman, Outside, 3 Mar. 2026 Once at the hospital, Cermak reportedly uttered the line that is engraved on his tomb. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for engrave

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of engrave was in 1509

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Engrave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/engrave. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

engrave

verb
en·​grave in-ˈgrāv How to pronounce engrave (audio)
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

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