# shaving

/ˈʃeɪvɪŋ/ (US) · /ʃˈeɪvɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shaving
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. hair removal

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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

### 2. thin slice of material

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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

### 3. a stabbing

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · British English · Dialect

a slang word for a stabbing.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The floor was covered in wood shavings after he finished the chair.
- The carpenter swept the cedar shavings into a pile to keep the workshop floor safe and clean.
- Artisans often use fine metal shavings as a decorative element in resin casting to create a shimmering, industrial aesthetic.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.