etch

1 of 2

verb

etched; etching; etches

transitive verb

1
a
: to produce (something, such as a pattern or design) on a hard material by eating into the material's surface (as by acid or laser beam)
b
: to subject to such etching
2
: to delineate or impress clearly
scenes etched in our minds
pain was etched on his features

intransitive verb

: to practice etching
etcher noun

etch

2 of 2

noun

1
: the action or effect of etching a surface
2
: a chemical agent used in etching

Examples of etch in a Sentence

Verb etched an identification number on the back of the television glass that has been etched with an identification number
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.
Verb
The league’s first four-time MVP became a two-time finals MVP, etching another chapter in her case for the WNBA’s GOAT. Ben Pickman, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 The magical moment is permanently etched in Childs' mind. Bryan West, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
Choose an ammonia-free cleaner since ammonia can corrode metals and potentially etch glass over time. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2025 To add details, etch swooping lines around the holes by scraping away the pumpkin's outer skin to create contrast. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for etch

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Dutch etsen, from German ätzen to etch, corrode, from Old High German azzen to feed; akin to Old High German ezzan to eat — more at eat

First Known Use

Verb

1634, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of etch was in 1634

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Cite this Entry

“Etch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/etch. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

etch

verb
ˈech
1
a
: to produce (as a pattern or design) on a hard material by lines eaten into the material's surface (as by acid or laser beam)
b
: to produce a pattern or design on by such etching
etched glass
an etched silicon chip
2
: to outline or impress clearly
migrating ducks etched against the sky
etcher noun

More from Merriam-Webster on etch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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