engraving

American  

[en-grey-ving] / ɛnˈgreɪ vɪŋ /

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.

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engraving British  

/ 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

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engraving Cultural  

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.)

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Etymology

Origin of engraving

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

Example Sentences

Coca-Cola takes that engraving process a step further with a machine that snaps a photo of the user, then embosses that picture onto the iconic red can of soda.

From Los Angeles Times

Erbium and neodymium are also important in making lasers for industrial engraving and cutting.

From Barron's

Early paintings and engravings show people not just reacting to the world, but representing it, sharing stories and identities in a way no other species is known to have done.

From BBC

Before all of that upheaval, Crane was a big company in North Adams, giving job security and economic stability to employees like John Collins, its 66-year-old head of engraving.

From The Wall Street Journal

Herman Melville’s American classic was given new life by Kent’s dramatic engravings.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• etching
• illustration
• inscription
• lithograph
• woodcut