Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Carve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔪
Add to dictionary

carve

[kɑːrv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

woodworking

To carve means to cut or shape a material such as wood, stone, or metal by using a sharp tool.

Synonyms

chisel, engrave, sculpt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
carve

Typically used when talking about cutting or shaping material like wood or stone to create an object or design. It can also refer to cutting meat.

  • He decided to carve a wooden statue as a gift.
  • She carefully carved the turkey for the family dinner.
sculpt

Used when creating three-dimensional shapes or forms, often from materials like clay, metal, or stone. It involves modeling and shaping the material.

  • She sculpts beautiful figures out of clay.
  • The artist took months to sculpt the life-size statue.
chisel

Used when referring to the act of shaping or cutting hard materials like stone or wood, usually with a chisel tool. Often implies detailed work.

  • The artist spent hours chiseling the intricate designs on the stone monument.
  • He used a chisel to create fine details on the wooden sculpture.
engrave

Refers to cutting or etching text or designs onto a hard surface such as metal, wood, or glass. Often used for creating inscriptions or decorative patterns.

  • They decided to engrave their names on the wedding rings.
  • The trophy was engraved with the winner's name and the date.

Examples of usage

  • He carved a beautiful sculpture out of a block of wood.
  • She carefully carved her initials into the tree trunk.
  • The artist carved intricate patterns into the marble statue.
Context #2 | Verb

cooking

To carve also means to cut meat into slices, typically in preparation for serving.

Synonyms

cut, portion, slice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
carve

Usually used when shaping something from a material like wood, stone, or even food, like a roast turkey.

  • He carved a beautiful sculpture out of a block of wood
  • Can you carve the turkey for dinner?
slice

Specifically refers to cutting something into thin, flat pieces, often used for food items like bread, meat, or cheese.

  • Can you slice the bread for sandwiches? He sliced the cheese thinly for the platter
cut

General term for separating or dividing something with a sharp tool, it can be used in various contexts like cutting paper, fabric, or food.

  • She cut the paper with scissors
  • He accidentally cut his finger while chopping vegetables
portion

Commonly used in the context of dividing food or other items into parts for individual servings.

  • Could you portion out the cake for everyone? She portioned the meal into smaller containers for the week

Examples of usage

  • He carved the roast beef at the dinner table.
  • She skillfully carved the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'carve' comes from the Old English 'ceorfan,' which meant to cut or shape.
  • Carving has been a traditional skill for thousands of years, with ancient civilizations using tools to create ornate sculptures.
  • In medieval times, carving was not only an art but also part of craftsmanship, especially in furniture and architectural designs.

Art

  • Carving can be done on various materials like wood, stone, and even ice, especially in artistic competitions.
  • The intricate details in wood carvings often tell stories or depict historical events, showcasing the artist's talent and culture.
  • Famous sculptures like Michelangelo's 'David' were created through meticulous carving techniques.

Food and Cooking

  • Chef's carve meat to ensure it is presented beautifully on the plate, enhancing the meal experience.
  • Pumpkin carving has become a popular Halloween tradition, turning ordinary pumpkins into creative lanterns.
  • The art of carving fruits and vegetables originated in Asia, where chefs created stunning edible displays for celebrations.

Psychology

  • Carving as a practice can be therapeutic – engaging in crafts helps reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Engaging in creative activities like carving can stimulate the brain and improve hand-eye coordination.
  • Studies show that making art, including carving, releases dopamine, the 'feel-good' hormone, boosting mood.

Pop Culture

  • The popular movie 'Carving Out the Heart' combines horror and artistry, depicting a killer who uses carving as a signature move.
  • Carving competitions are held worldwide, showcasing talent and innovation, often featured in reality TV shows.
  • Social media platforms like Instagram are filled with artists sharing their wood and pumpkin carvings, inspiring others to try it out.

Origin of 'carve'

The word 'carve' originates from the Old English word 'ceorfan', meaning 'to cut'. This word has been used in various contexts throughout history, from woodworking to cooking. The act of carving has been an essential skill for human civilizations for centuries, allowing people to create art, tools, and food preparations.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,829, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.