carve

1 to make objects, patterns, etc. by cutting away material from wood or stone: [VN] a richly carved doorway * The statue was carved out of a single piece of stone. * The piece of wood had been carved into the shape of a flower. * The beads were carved from solid ivory. * (figurative) Over the centuries, melting snow had carved valleys in the landscape. * [V] She carves in both stone and wood. 2 [VN] to write sth on a surface by cutting into it: They carved their initials on the desk. * A Latin inscription had been carved on the lid of the box. 3 to cut a large piece of cooked meat into smaller pieces for eating: [VN] Who's going to carve the turkey? [also V, VNN] 4 [VN] [nopassive] ~ sth (out) (for yourself) to work hard in order to have a successful career, reputation, etc: She has carved a place for herself in the fashion world. * Against all odds, he succeeded in carving out a career in the media. IDIOMS carved in stone (of a decision, plan, etc.) unable to be changed: People should remember that our proposals aren't carved in stone. PHRASALVERBS carve sth<->up (disapproving) to divide a company, an area of land, etc. into smaller parts in order to share it between people: They have been accused of carving up the industry for their own benefit.