verb
engrave
ihn-GRAYV
Engrave (verb) means to cut letters, patterns, or images into a hard surface, typically metal, stone, or wood. Example: “They had the couple's initials engraved on the inside of the ring.”
verb
1
To cut letters, patterns, or images into a hard surface, typically metal, stone, or wood.
"They had the couple's initials engraved on the inside of the ring."
"The trophy is engraved with the winner's name each year."
How to use engrave
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo carve words or designs permanently into a surface, usually as a form of decoration or personalization.
Common pairings
engraved with
engrave a message
hand-engraved
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- engraves
- Past tense
- engraved
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They had the couple's initials _____ on the inside of the ring.
Etymology
From en- ("to make into") + grave ("to carve"), ultimately from the same root as "grave" in the sense of carving.
Related words
Rhymes for engrave
See all rhymes for engrave →Frequently asked questions
What does “engrave” mean?
The word “engrave” means to cut letters, patterns, or images into a hard surface, typically metal, stone, or wood. In plain terms, to carve words or designs permanently into a surface, usually as a form of decoration or personalization.
How do you pronounce “engrave”?
“Engrave” is pronounced ihn-GRAYV (/ɪnˈɡɹeɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “engrave” in a sentence?
Here is “engrave” used in a sentence: “They had the couple's initials engraved on the inside of the ring.”
What is another word for “engrave”?
Words with a similar meaning to “engrave” include carve, etch and inscribe.
What part of speech is “engrave”?
“Engrave” is a verb.
