verb B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

carve

kahv

Carve (verb) means to cut something, especially to shape it artistically or to slice cooked meat. Example: “He carved a small wooden bird for his daughter.”

verb

To cut something, especially to shape it artistically or to slice cooked meat.

"He carved a small wooden bird for his daughter."

"Dad always carves the turkey at Christmas dinner."

To create or establish something, especially with effort, such as a reputation or path.

"She carved out a career in journalism against the odds."

How to Use Carve

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo cut or shape something, literally (wood, meat) or figuratively (a career, a niche).

Common pairings

carve a statue carve the meat carve out a niche

Word Forms

carved past tense, carven past tense, carves plural, carves singular

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Can you complete this real example?

He _____ a small wooden bird for his daughter.

Etymology

From Old English ceorfan ("to cut, notch"), related to German kerben ("to notch") and distantly to the Greek root behind "graph."

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for carve

starve

See all rhymes for carve →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “carve” mean?

The word “carve” means to cut something, especially to shape it artistically or to slice cooked meat. In plain terms, to cut or shape something, literally (wood, meat) or figuratively (a career, a niche).

How do you pronounce “carve”?

“Carve” is pronounced kahv (/kɑɹv/ in IPA).

How do you use “carve” in a sentence?

Here is “carve” used in a sentence: “He carved a small wooden bird for his daughter.”

What part of speech is “carve”?

“Carve” is a verb.

Where does the word “carve” come from?

The word “carve” comes from Old English. From Old English ceorfan ("to cut, notch"), related to German kerben ("to notch") and distantly to the Greek root behind "graph.".

Is “carve” a common word?

“Carve” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “carve” have?

“Carve” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to cut something, especially to shape it artistically or to slice cooked meat.