engraving

[en-grey-ving]

noun

1. the act or art of a person who or thing that engraves.

2. the art of forming designs by cutting, corrosion by acids, a photographic process, etc., on the surface of a metal plate, block of wood, or the like, for or as for the purpose of taking off impressions or prints of the design so formed.

3. the design engraved.

4. an engraved plate or block.

5. an impression or print from this.

engraving

/ ɪnˈɡreɪvɪŋ /

noun

1. the art of a person who engraves

2. a block, plate, or other surface that has been engraved

3. a print made from such a surface

engraving

1. An artistic print made from a metal plate on which an artist has cut a design with a graver or a small chisel. (Compare etching.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of engraving¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; engrave + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

In the messages to his roommate Robinson said the engravings were "mostly a big meme", indicating perhaps that they should not be taken as a serious statement.

From BBC

Robinson goes on to fret about losing his grandfather’s rifle and describes the engravings on the shell casings found at the scene as “mostly a big meme.”

From Salon

He added that the source and reasoning of the engraving on shell casings is still under investigation.

From Los Angeles Times

"The messages also refer to engraving bullets, and a mention of a scope and the rifle being unique," the affidavit states.

From BBC

The engravings on Robinson’s bullet casings come across as a hodgepodge of messages that don’t fit together comfortably, Donovan said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• etching 
• illustration 
• inscription 
• lithograph 
• woodcut