English Reference

Word

carving

Phoneticscarv·ing, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈkɑɹvɪŋ/

UK/kˈɑːvɪŋ/

Definitions

01a carved object

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. an object or design made by cutting into a hard material like wood or stone.

n. a decorative object or design created by the process of cutting or incising a hard material.

“The museum has a beautiful wooden carving of a bird from the 18th century.”

“The intricate stone carvings on the cathedral's exterior have suffered significant erosion due to centuries of exposure to acidic rain.”

02the craft or act

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the activity or skill of making things by cutting wood or stone.

n. the process, craft, or artistic practice of shaping a material by scraping or cutting away parts of it.

“He took up wood carving as a hobby after he retired.”

“Mastering the art of ivory carving requires not only immense patience but also a specialized set of fine-tipped steel tools.”

Synonyms

sculptingwhittling

03slicing meat

B2 · Upper Intermediate Cooking

v. cutting thin pieces of cooked meat to serve for a meal.

v. the act of slicing cooked meat, such as poultry or a roast, into portions for service at a table.

“My father is usually in charge of carving the turkey at Christmas.”

“Proper carving of a standing rib roast requires a steady hand and a very sharp, flexible knife to ensure uniform slices.”

Synonyms

04skiing/snowboarding

C1 · Advanced Sports Technical

v. making smooth turns on snow using the edges of your skis or board.

v. the technique of performing turns on the edges of skis or a snowboard without skidding or pivoting.

“She practiced her carving on the fresh snow to improve her speed.”

“The athlete demonstrated perfect carving technique, maintaining a deep edge angle throughout the high-speed descent.”

Antonyms

skidding

Real-World Examples

“When carving a piece of cocobolo rosewood, a Wounaan artist features the grain.”
The Conversation 5 Aug 2026
“I’m not the same.” He’d been carving out his own path for most of his life to protect himself.”
The Guardian 16 Sept 2026

Word family

NOUN

carving(B2)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference