Carve
/kɑːrv/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo cut into or shape (a hard material) with a sharp tool.
/kɑːrv/
To cut or shape (something) with a sharp tool.
The sculptor carved a statue from marble.
💡 Simply: To cut and shape something with a sharp tool.
More Examples
He carefully carved the initials into the tree trunk.
How It's Used
"He carved a beautiful bird from a piece of wood."
"She carved the roast turkey."
To create or achieve something skillfully.
/kɑːrv/
To make or produce (something) in a skillful way.
He carved a successful career for himself.
💡 Simply: To skillfully make or achieve something.
More Examples
They carved a path through the dense jungle.
How It's Used
"She carved a niche for herself in the industry."
Idioms & expressions
carve out a niche
To create a specialized role or position for oneself.
"She carved out a niche for herself in the competitive world of finance."
Old English *cearfan, from Proto-Germanic *kerbaną, related to 'cut'.
Historically, 'carve' was more often associated with wood carving and stone carving.
Memory tip
Think of a knife carving through a pumpkin.
Word Origin
"to cut"