Chisel: meaning, definitions and examples

A chisel is used for detailed wood or stone carving, sculpting, and cutting. It's a versatile tool essential for precision work.

• The sculptor used a small chisel to add fine details to the statue.
• He carefully chiseled away the excess wood to reveal the intricate design.

A gouge, a type of chisel with a curved blade, is used in woodworking and carving to create hollows, curves, or grooves in the material.

• The woodworker used a gouge to carve out a bowl from the block of wood.
• She skillfully gouged a decorative groove along the edge of the chair.

An adze is typically used in woodworking or carpentry for shaping and smoothing wood. It has a long handle and a thin, arched blade, making it suitable for rough hewing.

• The carpenter used an adze to shape the beam for the roof.
• With a few swings of the adze, the log starts to take the form of a flat surface.

A mallet is a hammer-like tool with a wooden or rubber head, used for striking chisels or for adjusting and assembling wooden pieces without damaging them.

• The carpenter tapped the chisel with the mallet to carve the wood.
• Using a mallet, he gently adjusted the position of the joinery without leaving any marks.

Typically used when talking about shaping or cutting a material using a chisel tool, often referring to detailed or finer work on wood or stone.

• He used a chisel to shape the intricate details on the wooden frame

Commonly used to describe cutting something into a specific shape, often for artistic or practical purposes. It can apply to a variety of materials such as wood, stone, or even food.

• She decided to carve a pumpkin for Halloween

Usually refers to creating three-dimensional art by shaping material such as clay, stone, or metal. It often implies a more artistic or expressive form of creation.

• The artist took months to sculpt the marble statue

Used when talking about cutting or etching a design, text, or pattern onto the surface of a material, typically metal, wood, or glass.

• The jeweler will engrave your initials on the inside of the ring