engrave

1 of 2

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

engraver

2 of 2

noun

engrav·​er

ə̇nˈgrāvə(r), 

en-

plural -s

1

: one that engraves

especially : one whose work is the production of engraving (as on silverware or on plates for use in printing) by hand or mechanical processes

2

a

: photoengraver

b

: engraver beetle

—usually used in combination

fir engravers

Synonyms of engrave

Verb

• etch
• inscribe
• carve

Examples of engrave in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

The Nobel Committee May Need Some Convincing Of course, the good people in Oslo are unlikely to start engraving Melania's name on a medal just yet. — Anna Rahmanan, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026

The original insignias and gold paneling are still there, and going up the stairs, the Pan Am logo is engraved over and over into the stone wall. — Lauren Harano, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

There is also a personalization element, with customers able to have a festive ornament engraved or a greeting card written in calligraphy. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026

After fans get a peek at her dad, Todd Chrisley, gushing happily next to her daughter while holding the romper, the video gives a close-up of a white sash with a blue baby carrier engraved on it and a blue Bible. — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

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