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

The etchings are carved into the walls at Gainsborough Old Hall, a residence built by Sir Thomas Burgh II in the late 15th century. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024

Rembrandt’s etchings are also spotlighted at a new exhibition at the Rembrandt House Museum. —Layla Ilchi, WWD, 31 Oct. 2024

Tiny wires, layering of different materials and etching define the electrical connections. —Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 24 Sep. 2024

Apple dressed up our sample with a nano-texture glass layer whose microscopic etchings scatter ambient light. —Brian Westover, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing etching

• freeze-etching

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