ˈkärv, -ȧv verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English kerven, from Old English ceorfan; akin to Middle High German kerben to notch, Greek graphein to scratch, write
transitive verb
1. : to cut (as with knife or chisel) with deliberate care or practiced precision
carved fretwork
2. : to cut or hew out
carve a path
: make or get by or as if by cutting — often used with out
carve out a fortune
3. : to cut into pieces or slices (as meat at table) : divide or cut off for distribution or apportionment
4. : to cut up (as a county into districts) : subdivide
intransitive verb
1. : to cut up : cut up and serve
carve for all the guests
2. : to practice the trade of a sculptor or engraver
Synonyms: see cut