incise

verb

in·​cise in-ˈsīz How to pronounce incise (audio) -ˈsīs How to pronounce incise (audio)
incised; incising
Synonyms of incisenext

transitive verb

1
a
: to carve (something, such as an inscription) into a surface
b
: to carve figures, letters, or devices into : engrave
2
: to cut into

Synonyms of incise

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Examples of incise in a Sentence

The design is incised into the clay. The clay is incised to create a design.
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.
Patterns on vessels were often incised into the mold itself, as this technique allowed for fine details to be transferred from mold to object. — Teagan Wolter, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Mar. 2026 The unique 18-karat gold bangle is designed as an ovoid form incised with Fontana’s signature slash motif and mounted on a curved band. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026 Little climbed into a trench and bent over a vertical stone that was incised with a web of typically Orcadian geometric patterns. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025 According to testimony from a preliminary hearing held last year, the victim sustained 27 stab or incise wounds to both the front and back of her head, torso, arms and legs. — City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for incise

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French inciser, from Latin incisus, past participle of incidere, from in- + caedere to cut

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of incise was in 1567

Rhymes for incise

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Browse Nearby Words

incisal
incise
incised
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Cite this Entry

“Incise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incise. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

incise

verb
in·​cise in-ˈsīz How to pronounce incise (audio)
incised; incising
: to cut into : carve, engrave

Medical Definition

incise

transitive verb
in·​cise in-ˈsīz How to pronounce incise (audio) -ˈsīs How to pronounce incise (audio)
incised; incising
: to cut into : make an incision in
incised the swollen tissue

More from Merriam-Webster on incise

Nglish: Translation of incise for Spanish Speakers

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