Carve: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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

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