Pronunciation

/kɑːrv/

Definitions

• Verb:
  • Transitive verb: To cut, shape, or decorate a surface with a sharp tool, especially wood, stone, or metal, so as to form a design or pattern. For example: “The artist skillfully carved a wooden sculpture.”
  • Intransitive verb: To make a recess or indentation in something, typically by cutting. For example: “The tree trunk had been carved by years of erosion.”
• Noun: An act of carving, or a piece of work created through carving. For example: “The intricate carvings on the old cathedral were stunning.”

Phrases

• “Carve out a niche” means to find a specialized area or position for oneself.
• “Carve your initials” is a common practice of marking one’s ownership or presence.
• “Carve up” can refer to dividing something, especially food, into portions.

Example Sentences

• Verb: “The woodcutter spent hours carefully carving the statue from a massive oak log.”
• Noun: “The antique cabinet was adorned with delicate carvings of flowers and leaves.”
• Intransitive: “After the storm, the branches had been carved away from the power lines.”

Synonyms

• Sculpt (when referring to art)
• Carve out (create a space or role)
• Chisel (for the action)
• Etch (in a softer material)
• Haul (informal, to remove material)

Antonyms

• Smooth (opposite of carving a surface)
• Flatten (undoing the carving process)
• Raze (completely destroying, not just cutting)