bevel

American  

[bev-uhl] / ˈbɛv əl /

noun

1. the inclination that one line or surface makes with another when not at right angles.

2. a surface that does not form a right angle with adjacent surfaces.

3. (of a lock bolt) the oblique end that hits the strike plate.

4. (of a lock with a beveled bolt) the side facing in the same direction as the bevel at the end of the bolt.

5. bevel square.

6. an adjustable instrument for drawing angles or adjusting the surface of work to a particular inclination.

7. Printing. beard.

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verb (used with or without object)

beveled, beveling, bevelled, bevelling

1. to cut or slant at a bevel.

   to bevel an edge to prevent splintering.

adjective

1. Also beveled; bevelled. oblique; sloping; slanted.

bevel British  

/ ˈbɛvəl /

noun

1. 1. Also called: cant.  a surface that meets another at an angle other than a right angle Compare chamfer

   2. ( as modifier )

      a bevel edge

      bevel square

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verb

1. (intr) to be inclined; slope

2. (tr) to cut a bevel on (a piece of timber, etc)

Other Word Forms

• beveler noun
• bevelled adjective
• beveller noun
• unbeveled adjective
• underbeveling noun

Etymology

Origin of bevel

First recorded in 1555–65; from unattested Middle French bevel ( French béveau, biveau ), unattested Old French baivel, equivalent to baïf “with open mouth” ( ba(er) “to gape” ( bay ² ) + -if adjective suffix) + -el, from Latin -ellus noun suffix; -ive, -elle

Example Sentences

To bear up under the higher stress, the PDK’s clutches, gearsets and bevel gear have all been reinforced.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025

According to Adidas, the Weagle design on the front of the sweater features a “combination of sublimation and classic twill embroidery,” producing a bevel effect.

From Washington Post • Jan. 26, 2023

Even when I'm cutting a pumpkin, I will cut a little bevel on the bottom, just cut a little edge off, and now it is solid on the board.

From Salon • Nov. 25, 2022

“So if you do it at an angle, it will have a bevel edge.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 17, 2022

This shaft passes beyond the bed where it carries a bevel gear-wheel, which meshes with a bevel gear-wheel upon a cross shaft.

From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua