as in chip
a V-shaped cut usually on an edge or a surface with a handsaw I made a kerf in the board to mark where I needed to cut

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of kerf Mark the kerf on the end grain of a post. Paul Steiner, Popular Mechanics, 24 Mar. 2023 This reduces bowing and creates a thinner kerf, making pull saws ideal for joints and other fine woodwork. Pierre Tardif, WSJ, 3 June 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kerf
Noun
  • For maximum effectiveness, place cedar rings or chips inside bags or containers to seal up with your clothing.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Trump and former President Joe Biden had imposed restrictions on access to the most advanced chips such as those used for artificial intelligence.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This casual long-sleeve sweater dress features a playful V-neck and cute, subtle slits on the sides of the bottom hem.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The high-neck dress features cut-out sections around the torso and a thigh-high slit on one side.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • With her avant-groove sensibilities and refusal to color inside the lines, Lenae represents the fearless spirit fueling R&B’s new era.
    Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Make a groove around the edge and sprinkle the salt in it.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Developer Patrick Madden indents to bring a Wawa convenience store to the site as well as 240 apartments spread across multiple three-story buildings.
    Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 13 July 2025
  • Unlike the grooves of a normal road wheel, its surface is almost completely smooth except for small indents, patterned differently between front and back wheel, which are designed to just slightly roughen the air, encouraging the right level of turbulent flow.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kerf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kerf. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!