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
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- carves
- Third person singular
- carves
- Past tense
- carved, carven
Fill the gap
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."
Synonyms
View more →
cut up
chip at
Related words
Rhymes for carve
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.
