carve

carve · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To cut a hard material to produce an object or design.

  2. 2.

    To cut cooked meat into slices for serving.

  3. 3.

    To create or establish something through effort.

  4. 4.

    To make turns in skiing or snowboarding by tilting the edges.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    carve out — to create or establish something with effort
  • •
    carve up — to divide into parts, often unfairly
  • •
    carved in stone — fixed and unchangeable
  • •
    carve a niche — to establish a unique position

Related words

See also: carved, carving, engrave, sculpt
Synonyms: chisel, cut, engrave, etch, sculpt, slice

Etymology

From Old English ceorfan ("to cut, carve"), from Proto-Germanic kerbaną. Related to Dutch kerven and German kerben ("to notch").