engraving

1 of 2

noun

en·​grav·​ing in-ˈgrā-viŋ 

en-

1

: the act or process of one that engraves

2

: something that is engraved: such as

a

: an engraved printing surface

b

: engraved work

3

: an impression from an engraved printing surface

engraving

2 of 2

present participle of engrave

Examples of engraving in a Sentence

Noun

She studied engraving in an art class.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The centrepiece of the archaeological site is a massive rock which is more than 20 feet long and features an intriguing engraving of a powerful being. — James Rampton, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026

The piece has a rather minimalist look, with smooth, polished surfaces and no particular decorations, except for a few personal engravings. — Filippo Iarocci, Vanity Fair, 2 Nov. 2026

In a room nearby, an artisan with 20 years of previous guilloché experience at Breguet sat perfecting the engraving of a new Convergence dial—work so delicate that even the vibration of a passing car in the parking lot could disrupt his work. — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2026

At the Manufacture, Said also worked with the artisans on enameling and engraving, as well as lacquer painting. — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing engraving

• line engraving
• steel engraving
• wood engraving

Rhymes for engraving

• behaving
• enslaving
• lifesaving
• repaving
• autoclaving
• misbehaving
• braving
• caving
• craving
• graving
• laving
• paving

Kids Definition

engraving

noun

en·​grav·​ing

in-ˈgrā-viŋ

1

: the art of cutting something especially into the surface of wood, stone, or metal

2

: a print made from an engraved surface