wood engraving

American  

noun

1. the art or process of engraving designs in relief with a burin on the end grain of wood, for printing.

2. a block of wood so engraved.

3. a print or impression from it.

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wood engraving British  

noun

1. the art of engraving pictures or designs on wood for printing by incising them with a burin on a block of wood cut across the grain

2. a block of wood so engraved or a print taken from it

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Other Word Forms

• wood engraver noun

Etymology

Origin of wood engraving

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

From a charming wood engraving of a “wandering wombat” to antique maps and marine life prints, Pioneer Square’s Davidson Galleries offers a wide selection of artworks on paper, all $250 and under.

From Seattle Times

The wood engraving found on the Outer Banks is among several within the purgatory category.

From Washington Times

Her detailed drawings and wood engravings of hundreds of insects filled her books and those of her husband.

From Washington Post

On June 11, 1859, Harper’s Weekly published a wood engraving mocking such conventions.

From Literature

Before the 1890s, most images reproduced for journals were wood engravings, which were inked and set for printing alongside the typeset.

From Nature