engrave

verb

en·​grave in-ˈgrāv 

en-

engraved; engraving

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

• etch
• grave
• incise
• inscribe
• insculp [archaic]

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

In the study, published in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, a team of researchers has demonstrated that stone artifacts found in certain caves in the Levant were deliberately engraved with geometric patterns. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

Finally, the third and final build of Bilgin’s 263-foot superyacht series, Al Reem, completed the triumvirate, clearly engraving the boutique yacht builder’s status as a leader within the industry. —Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

The two doppelgängers enjoyed the same drinks and Nobu catering as the stars — and got to look on as each winner had their name engraved into their Golden Globe statuette. —Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025

In addition to the engraved imperial measurements, each cup and spoon also has engraved metric measurements for easy conversions. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025

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

Phrases Containing engrave

• re-engrave

Kids Definition

engrave

verb

en·​grave in-ˈgrāv 

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