etch

American  

[ech] / ɛtʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to cut, bite, or corrode with an acid or the like; engrave with an acid or the like, as to form a design in furrows that when charged with ink will give an impression on paper.

2. to produce (a design, image, etc.) by this method, as on copper or glass.

3. to outline clearly or sharply; delineate, as a person's features or character.

4. to fix permanently in or implant firmly on the mind; root in the memory.

   Our last conversation is etched in my memory.

5. Geology. to cut (a feature) into the surface of the earth by means of erosion.

   A deep canyon was etched into the land by the river's rushing waters.

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verb (used without object)

1. to practice the art of etching.

noun

1. Printing. an acid used for etching.

etch British  

/ ɛtʃ /

verb

1. (tr) to wear away the surface of (a metal, glass, etc) by chemical action, esp the action of an acid

2. to cut or corrode (a design, decoration, etc) on (a metal or other plate to be used for printing) by using the action of acid on parts not covered by wax or other acid-resistant coating

3. (tr) to cut with or as if with a sharp implement

   he etched his name on the table

4. (tr; usually passive) to imprint vividly

   the event was etched on her memory

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Other Word Forms

• etcher
  noun
• unetched
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of etch

1625–35; < Dutch etsen < German ätzen to etch, originally cause to eat; cognate with Old English ettan to graze; akin to eat

Explanation

If you etch something you are cutting into it. You can etch "I ♥ U" into a tree trunk with a pocket knife or etch your initials in your desk with a key (if the teacher's not looking). However and whatever you etch, it is generally considered a deep and lasting mark. The figurative use of etch is just as common as its literal sense. A particularly powerful memory, image or emotion is said to "etch itself" into your mind, meaning, like that piece of graffiti you etched into the tree trunk, it won't be likely to be erased anytime soon. Incise and carve are often interchangeable with etch.

Example Sentences

We’re now at full Etch A Sketch: I’m making law.

From Slate • Dec. 30, 2025

Walter rejects Buddy’s proposed Etch A Sketch-drawn itinerary, which includes some of his favorite and most commonplace activities during his time at the North Pole.

From Salon • Nov. 23, 2023

Please give yourself a hard shake, like an Etch A Sketch, and try approaching this wedding clean.

From Washington Post • Mar. 11, 2023

They trade scribbles on an Etch A Sketch.

From Seattle Times • May 30, 2022

My brain goes blank like an Etch A Sketch turned upside down and shaken.

From "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Related Words

• depict
• engrave
• imprint
• incise
• ingrain
• inscribe
• portray
• stamp