First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
carve
verb \ˈkärv\
: to make (something, such as a sculpture or design) by cutting off pieces of the material it is made of
: to cut (something, such as a pattern or design) into a surface
: to create (something) by cutting into a surface
carvedcarv·ing
Full Definition of CARVE
transitive verb
1
: to cut with care or precision <carved fretwork>
2
: to make or get by or as if by cutting —often used with out <carve out a career>
3
: to cut into pieces or slices <carved the turkey>
intransitive verb
1
: to cut up and serve meat
2
: to work as a sculptor or engraver
— carv·er noun
See carve defined for English-language learners
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Origin of CARVE
Middle English kerven, from Old English ceorfan; akin to Old High German kerban to notch, Greek graphein to scratch, write
CARVE Defined for Kids
carve
verb \ˈkärv\
carvedcarv·ing
Definition of CARVE for Kids
1
: to cut with care <He carved a block of wood to use as a bowl.>
2
: to make or get by cutting <Artists were carving ice sculptures.>
3
: to slice and serve (meat) <Would you carve the turkey?>
— carv·er noun
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