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

Her 60-pound etching press made the trip across the Southwest with her and her new husband. —Chadd Scott, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025

Mysterious etchings at what appears to be a Los Angeles rail yard have captured the attention of internet sleuths. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

But the new exhibition features a print of an etching of Darling’s design, which starred mallards. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024

The Wrinkle Pen immediately plumps fine lines, and long-term erases etching. —Roxanne Robinson, Forbes, 22 Feb. 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