carve 
/ˈkɑɚv/ verb
carves; carved; carv·ing /ˈkɑɚv/ verb 1 [+ obj] : to make (something, such as a sculpture or design) by cutting off pieces of the material it is made of
▪ We carved an ice sculpture. ▪ a carved object — often + out of or from ▪ He carved the sculpture out of marble. ▪ She carves figures from wood. 2 [+ obj] a : to cut (something, such as a pattern or design) into a surface — often + into or on ▪ He carved his name on/into the table. ▪ Their initials are carved into the tree.
b : to create (something) by cutting into a surface — often + out ▪ The Colorado River carved out the Grand Canyon. 3 : to cut (cooked meat) into pieces or slices [+ obj] ▪ Who is going to carve the turkey? ▪ Would you carve me another slice of turkey, please? = Would you carve another slice of turkey for me? [no obj] ▪ He carved while I made the gravy. 4 [+ obj] : to create (a job, a fortune, a way of life, etc.) for yourself usually through hard work
▪ He carved a new life for himself after the divorce. — often + out ▪ She worked hard to carve out a career in education.
▪ We carved an ice sculpture. ▪ a carved object — often + out of or from ▪ He carved the sculpture out of marble. ▪ She carves figures from wood.
b : to create (something) by cutting into a surface — often + out ▪ The Colorado River carved out the Grand Canyon.
▪ He carved a new life for himself after the divorce. — often + out ▪ She worked hard to carve out a career in education.
carved in stone — see 1stone
carve up [phrasal verb]
carve up (something) or carve (something) up usually disapproving : to divide something into small parts
▪ The once beautiful countryside has been carved up by developers.
▪ The once beautiful countryside has been carved up by developers.
— carv·er noun, plural carvers [count]
▪ a talented carver
▪ a talented carver
