/ kɑːv; NAmE kɑːrv/ verb
1.
to make objects, patterns, etc. by cutting away material from wood or stone :
[ vn ]
a carved doorway
The statue was carved out of a single piece of stone.
The wood had been carved into the shape of a flower.
( figurative ) [ v ]
She carves in both stone and wood.
2.
[ vn ] to write sth on a surface by cutting into it :
They carved their initials on the desk.
3.
to cut a large piece of cooked meat into smaller pieces for eating :
[ vn ]
Who's going to carve the turkey?
[also v , vnn ]
4.
[ vn ] [ no passive ] carve sth (out) (for yourself) to work hard in order to have a successful career, reputation, etc. :
She has carved a place for herself in the fashion world.
He succeeded in carving out a career in the media.
•
IDIOMS
- carved in stone
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- carve sth up
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English ceorfan cut, carve , of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch kerven .