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

Designed in Thiers, France—known to blade aficionados as the knife capital of the world—the saber features an ebony wood handle and can be engraved with a custom name or date. —Sophie Dodd, Bon Appétit, 10 Dec. 2024

Gallagher said Bossy was even staring at a special ornament—Bomber's paw print with his name engraved. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024

High-end versions double as a bit of jewelry, with silver slides set with turquoise and often engraved with animal motifs, including buffalo skulls and eagles. —Tom Stubbs, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2024

His name was engraved on the Walls of the Missing at the Netherlands American Cemetery. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 29 Nov. 2024

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