What does "shaving" mean?

1. (hair removal) the act of cutting hair very close to the skin using a razor. 2. (thin slice of material) a very thin piece of wood, metal, or plastic that has been cut off a larger piece. 3. (a stabbing) a slang word for a stabbing.

How do you use "shaving"?

often used as an uncountable noun or a gerund usually plural when referring to the waste material

shaving

US //ˈʃeɪvɪŋ// UK //ʃˈeɪvɪŋ// shav·ing

1 hair removal (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the act of cutting hair very close to the skin using a razor.

the process of removing hair from the body by cutting it close to the skin with a razor or similar blade.

Example

He bought a new cream to make shaving his face more comfortable.

Example

Daily shaving can lead to skin irritation if a high-quality moisturiser is not applied immediately after the procedure.

Usage

often used as an uncountable noun or a gerund
- grooming
2 thin slice of material (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a very thin piece of wood, metal, or plastic that has been cut off a larger piece.

a thin strip or fragment of material removed by a plane, drawknife, or other bladed tool.

Example

The floor of the workshop was covered in wooden shavings.

Example

The carpenter swept away the cedar shavings before applying the final coat of varnish to the handmade table.

Usage

usually plural when referring to the waste material

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3 a stabbing (n.)
C2 Proficiency Slang British English Dialect

a slang word for a stabbing.

a slang term for a stabbing or an attack with a sharp object.

Example

The news reported a shaving that happened in the city centre last night.

Example

The detective investigated a series of shavings that local gangs used as a method of intimidation.

Teacher's tip

This is specific to Multicultural London English (MLE) and is not understood by most English speakers outside that specific urban context.
- stabbing
- knifing