Carving

/ˈkɑːrviŋ/

nounBeginner📊CommonArts
2 meanings1 question

Definitions

2 meanings
1

An object shaped by cutting or chipping away material, typically from wood or stone.

/ˈkɑːrviŋ/

nounneutralBeginner
Arts

A piece of sculpture made by carving.

The intricate carving on the church altar was breathtaking.

💡 Simply: Something made by cutting into a material like wood or stone.

More Examples

2

She displayed her collection of bone carvings.

How It's Used

Art

"The museum showcased a stunning collection of wood carvings."

Culinary

"The Thanksgiving turkey was a masterpiece of carving."

2

To cut or shape something by removing material from its surface.

/ˈkɑːrviŋ/

verbneutralBeginner
Arts

To cut into a surface to create a design or shape.

He carefully carved the initials into the tree.

💡 Simply: To cut and shape something.

More Examples

2

The artist was carving a bird from a piece of wood.

How It's Used

Cooking

"He expertly carved the roast beef."

Woodworking

"She spent hours carving the intricate design into the wood."

Tip:Picture a sculptor carving away at a block of marble.

From the Old English *ceorfan, meaning "to cut." The -ing suffix indicates a gerund or present participle.

The word 'carving' has been used in English since at least the Middle English period, often in the context of wood carving for religious imagery.

Memory tip

Think of a chef carving a roast – creating a shape by removing parts.

Word Origin

Original meaning

"to cut"

Base: carve
wood carvingstone carvingcarving knifecarving tools

Common misspellings

carvinggcarvincarvving

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written