etching

noun

etch·​ing ˈe-chiŋ 

1

a

: the action or process of etching

b

: the art of producing pictures or designs by printing from an etched metal plate

2

a

: an etched design

b

: an impression from an etched plate

Examples of etching in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For something more creamy, you’re best suited to turn to RMS’s nourishing matte formula, or keep it simple with an etching of a Glossier eyeliner pencil. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 13 May 2025

There’s Damaraland, with the rock etchings at Twylfelfontein, one of my favorite places in the entire world. —Lea Lane, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

The only records of the mural’s past glory are a photograph, several sketches, a few etchings and a pair of watercolors that the French emperor Napoleon III gave to Queen Victoria in 1855. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025

One of his final etchings, a seascape, accompanies the single release. —Jon Pareles, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing etching

• freeze-etching

Rhymes for etching

• fetching
• retching
• sketching
• stretching

Kids Definition

etching

noun

etch·​ing ˈech-iŋ 

1

a

: the act or process of etching a hard material

b

: the art of printing from an etched metal plate

2

a

: a product of etching

b

: a print made from an etched metal plate