engrave

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verb en·grave \ in-ˈgrāv , en- \

Definition of engrave

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

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engraver

noun

See engrave defined for English-language learners

See engrave defined for kids

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 of engrave from the Web

For a moment we were connected with our ancient ancestors in Mesopotamia, who watched 3,171 years ago as their port city of Ugarit was plunged into darkness in the first eclipse ever recorded by man, engraved on a clay tablet.

— andrew wolfson, The Courier-Journal, "At Hopkinsville church, the sun goes out and humanity stands together, eyes on the heavens," 21 Aug. 2017
SILVERSMITH: Only at The Open is there a silversmith on site, ready to engrave the new champion’s name on the trophy .

— tim dahlberg, The Seattle Times, "Sod, silversmith and a funky clubhouse all in play at Open," 19 July 2017
When Dad brings home a dumpster treasure — a mysterious box engraved with Chinese characters —Clare facetiously uses it to wish ill upon her enemy.

— katie walsh, chicagotribune.com, "'Wish Upon' review: So bad it's destined for cult status," 13 July 2017
When dad brings home a treasure from the trash — a mysterious box engraved with Chinese characters — Clare facetiously uses it to wish ill upon her enemy.

— katie walsh, Detroit Free Press, "Review: Horror tale ‘Wish Upon’ is inadvertently funny," 12 July 2017
Brick pavers will surround these features and may be purchased to recognize employees upon retirement by engraving names into them.

— melissa reinert, Cincinnati.com, "Land donation gives Florence a community gathering space," 10 July 2017
One of my friends gave me this silver necklace engraved with this as a simple reminder of my mom.

— leena kim, Town & Country, "All the Jewels Louise Linton Will Wear to Her Wedding This Weekend," 19 June 2017
During his 24 hours on the lam, someone helped Boys separate the handcuffs he was caught wearing -- engraved with Daryle Holloway's name -- and provided him money and new clothing.

— ken daley, NOLA.com, "DA will not seek death penalty for accused cop-killer Travis Boys," 16 June 2017
In addition to his key to Brooklyn, Loso's name was engraved on the Celebrity Walk, along with legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.

— carl lamarre, Billboard, "Fabolous Receives Key to Brooklyn," 12 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'engrave.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of engrave

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1509

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engrave Synonyms

Synonyms

etch, grave, incise, inscribe, insculp [archaic]

Related Words

carve, chisel, sculpt, sculpture; chase, groove, indent, notch; score, trace; affix, impress

Near Antonyms

blot out, erase, expunge, obliterate

ENGRAVE Defined for English Language Learners

engrave

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verb

Definition of engrave for English Language Learners

: to cut or carve lines, letters, designs, etc., onto or into a hard surface

ENGRAVE Defined for Kids

engrave

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verb en·grave \ in-ˈgrāv \

Definition of engrave for Students

engraved; engraving

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

an engraved pattern

2 :to cut (as letters or designs) on or into

The jeweler engraved the ring with her initials.

3 :to print from a cut surface

an engraved invitation

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engraver

noun

Learn More about engrave

See words that rhyme with engrave Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for engrave Spanish Central: Translation of engrave Nglish: Translation of engrave for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of engrave for Arabic speakers

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engrave Synonyms

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ENGRAVE Defined for English Language Learners

engrave

Definition of engrave for English Language Learners

ENGRAVE Defined for Kids

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