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

One side was engraved with letters, but the inscription was hard to read, the markings were faded, almost as if they’d been scraped off. — Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

The photo is smooth and silver, her engagement ring is gold & engraved. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026

Encrusted with four dainty rubies, the medallion is engraved with Kelce’s jersey number, 87. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 21 Sep. 2026

If the latter film were to win, the Academy Award would also have the country that submitted it engraved on the statuette as well. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 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