engrave

verb

en·​grave in-ˈgrāv How to pronounce engrave (audio)
en-
engraved; engraving
Synonyms of engravenext

transitive verb

1
a
: to impress deeply as if with a graver
the incident was engraved in his memory
b
: to form by incision (as on wood or metal)
2
a
: to cut figures, letters, or designs on for printing
also : to print from an engraved plate
an engraved invitation
b
: photoengrave
engraver noun

Synonyms of engrave

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Examples of engrave in a Sentence

They will engrave your initials on the ring for free. She had the ring engraved with her initials. The image was engraved on the plaque.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Each piece is made using a cast-iron mold engraved with CNC technology, creating a subtractive geometry inspired by the rough-hewn stages of marble carving. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 Apple released a Harry Potter Special Edition iPod in 2005, which featured the Hogwarts Crest laser-engraved on the back, while a 20GB Special Edition U2 iPod was released in 2004. — Eric Griffith, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026 Imagine a perfect replica of a sprawling metropolis, a Tokyo or a São Paulo, engraved at atomic dimensions on a tile the size of a fingernail. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 In July, when the Dodgers visited the White House, Walter presented Trump with an official World Series championship ring with his name engraved on it. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for engrave

Word History

Etymology

Middle French engraver, from en- + graver to grave, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English grafan to grave

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of engrave was in 1509

Phrases Containing engrave

Rhymes for engrave

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Browse Nearby Words

Engraulidae
engrave
engraved glass
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Engrave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/engrave. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

engrave

verb
en·​grave in-ˈgrāv How to pronounce engrave (audio)
engraved; engraving
1
: to impress deeply
the incident was engraved in my memory
2
a
: to cut or carve (as letters or designs) on a hard surface
b
: to cut lines, letters, figures, or designs on or into (a hard surface) often for use in printing
c
: to print from a cut surface
an engraved wedding invitation
engraver noun
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