Carving: meaning, definitions and examples

Carving is typically used when referring to the process of shaping or cutting wood, stone, or other materials to create an object or design. It often implies adding intricate details to a surface.

• She spent hours carving a beautiful pattern into the wooden door
• The artist is known for her detailed carving of animal figures

Sculpting refers broadly to the process of creating three-dimensional art by shaping materials like clay, metal, or stone. It can involve both adding and removing material.

• She enjoys sculpting with clay in her free time
• The artist spent days sculpting the life-sized statue from a block of granite

Engraving is typically used to describe the process of inscribing letters, patterns, or images onto a surface, often metal or glass. It often involves fine, detailed work.

• He engraved a loving message on the back of the watch
• The jewelry maker spent hours engraving a delicate design onto the silver pendant

Chiseling usually refers to the rough shaping or cutting of hard materials like stone or wood using a chisel. It emphasizes the use of a sharp tool to chip away pieces.

• The sculptor was hard at work chiseling a large block of marble
• He carefully began chiseling the edges of the wooden plank

Used to describe the action of cutting shapes or designs into wood, stone, or other materials. It can also refer to the detailed cutting of meats.

• He spent the afternoon carving a sculpture from a block of wood
• The chef was carving the roast turkey at the dinner table

Describes the action of cutting something into thin pieces. Often used in the context of food, especially bread, meat, or vegetables.

• She was slicing the bread for the sandwiches
• He made quick work of slicing the onions for the soup

General term for dividing something into pieces with a sharp object. It is versatile and can be used in many contexts, such as cutting paper, fabric, or vegetables.

• She was cutting the fabric for the new dress
• I need a sharp knife for cutting these vegetables

Refers to dividing food into individual servings. Commonly used in food preparation and serving contexts.

• The chef was portioning out the soup for each customer
• They spent the morning portioning the prepared meals into containers

This is typically used to refer to the act of cutting shapes or designs into materials such as wood or stone. It often involves detailed and intricate work.

• The artist spent hours carving the wooden statue
• The intricate carving on the castle door was breathtaking

This term is used for shaping or creating three-dimensional works of art, usually from materials such as clay, stone, or metal. It focuses on the artistic aspect of the process.

• The famous artist sculpts magnificent statues
• He spent years sculpting the perfect representation of the human form

This word is often used when referring to the process of cutting or carving text or designs into a hard surface, usually metal or stone. It typically implies precision and detail.

• She decided to engrave her initials on the inside of the ring
• The trophy was engraved with the winner's name