Word
shaving
Phoneticsshav·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈʃeɪvɪŋ/
UK/ʃˈeɪvɪŋ/
Definitions
01hair removal
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of cutting hair very close to the skin using a razor.
n. the process of removing hair from the body by cutting it close to the skin with a razor or similar blade.
“He bought a new cream to make shaving his face more comfortable.”
“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
Synonyms
02thin slice of material
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a very thin piece of wood, metal, or plastic that has been cut off a larger piece.
n. a thin strip or fragment of material removed by a plane, drawknife, or other bladed tool.
“The floor of the workshop was covered in wooden shavings.”
“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
03a stabbing
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Slang · British English · Dialect
n. a slang word for a stabbing.
n. a slang term for a stabbing or an attack with a sharp object.
“The news reported a shaving that happened in the city centre last night.”
“The detective investigated a series of shavings that local gangs used as a method of intimidation.”
Teaching tip
This is specific to Multicultural London English (MLE) and is not understood by most English speakers outside that specific urban context.
Synonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/shaving