American English
/kʰɑɹv/
One syllable.
to cut a shape, picture, or words into wood, stone, or another hard material, or to make a shape by cutting material away
Practice out loudto cut a shape, picture, or words into wood, stone, or another hard material, or to make a shape by cutting material away
She carved a bird from a block of wood.
The artist carved our names into the bench.
carve a statue · carve a design · carve into wood · carve a name into stone
carve + a shape/design + into + material
carve + material + into + a shape
to cut cooked meat into thin pieces, usually before serving it
Dad carved the turkey at the table.
Could you carve the roast into thin slices?
carve the turkey · carve a roast · carve meat into slices
carve + meat
carve + meat + into + slices
to create time, space, or a position for someone or something, usually through effort; often used with out
She carves out an hour for exercise each day.
The new store carved out a place in the neighborhood.
For this meaning, usually use carve out, with out after carve.
carve out time · carve out a niche · carve out a role
carve out + time/space + for + noun
carve out + a place/niche + in + a field
to create time, space, or a position through effort
She carved out time for her family.
to divide something into parts, often in an unfair or unpleasant way
The deal carved up the company.
The final e disappears before -ing: carving, not carveing.