carve

A carve is when you remove or shape something from a hard surface, like wood or stone. You might use a tool to make patterns or designs.

When people talk about carving, it usually means that they're making something by cutting away at a piece of material. It's common in art and crafts - imagine a sculptor chiseling away at a block of marble to create a beautiful statue. Carving is also used to decorate food, especially on special occasions like holidays or festivals. You might see a turkey carved up into slices for Thanksgiving dinner. Sometimes people carve their initials or messages onto trees or other objects as a way to leave a mark or make something personal.