engraving
/ɪnˈɡreɪvɪŋ/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A design or picture cut into a hard surface, such as metal, wood, or glass. It can also mean the art or process of making such cuts.
- The ring had a small engraving inside.
- She bought an engraving of the old city.
- Wood engraving takes great skill.
Adinary Nuance
Engraving is more specific than carving. It usually means making fine lines or designs on a hard surface, often for decoration or printing. It is also different from printing, which copies an image without cutting into the surface. Writers choose engraving when the mark is permanent and carefully cut.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- khắc
- Spanish
- grabado
- Chinese
- 雕刻
- Japanese
- 彫刻
- Korean
- 조각
Etymology
Engraving comes from the verb engrave, which entered English from Old French in the Middle Ages. It is linked to Latin roots meaning "to carve" or "to scratch."
Common phrases
fine engravingwood engravingengraving on metala decorative engraving
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is engraving the same as carving?
- Not exactly. Engraving usually means cutting fine lines or designs, often on metal, glass, or wood.
- Is engraving used in art and printing?
- Yes. It is common in art, jewellery, and old printing methods.
- Can engraving be a gift?
- Yes. People often give engraved gifts with names or dates on them.