etching

noun

etch·​ing ˈe-chiŋ How to pronounce etching (audio)
1
a
: the action or process of etching
b
: the art of producing pictures or designs by printing from an etched metal plate
2
a
: an etched design
b
: an impression from an etched plate

Examples of etching in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The wall was covered with a deep, black varnish—a mineral smear, thin as tissue, thousands of years old—and a dizzying array of etchings exposed light pink rock beneath. Hazlitt, 2 Aug. 2023 Their creations copied the design of butterfly etchings found on nearby Jewish grave stones. Diane Bell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2023 The video shows an etching of the Boston skyline, which replaces the Seattle skyline featured in the original series' title cards. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 23 Aug. 2023 Also on display is a realistic etching of four nude women by lead mentor Rose Jaffe and two collaborative prints that combine all the artists’ styles and motifs. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 11 Aug. 2023 Tattooed on his right triceps is an excerpt from the etchings on the Pioneer 10 and 11 probes’ plaque—another 1970s attempt by Earth scientists to introduce our species to any space aliens that might encounter the craft. Shi En Kim, Scientific American, 3 Aug. 2023 Triggers and events in the present can bring us back to core struggles that exist like stone etchings deeply ingrained in our psyche. Alex Wagner, SPIN, 26 May 2023 Spray paint your catalytic converter with high-temperature automotive paint can alert scrap recyclers to look for VIN etchings. Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2023 The ornate etchings include English scrolling and a variety of Edelweiss flowers. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 26 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'etching.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of etching was in 1634

Dictionary Entries Near etching

Cite this Entry

“Etching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/etching. Accessed 28 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

etching

noun
etch·​ing ˈech-iŋ How to pronounce etching (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of etching a hard material
b
: the art of printing from an etched metal plate
2
a
: a product of etching
b
: a print made from an etched metal plate
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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