shave

[ʃeɪv]

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To shave means to remove hair from your face or body with a special tool called a razor. You can also use it to cut something thin and flat.

When we talk about shaving, we usually mean getting rid of unwanted hair on our faces or legs. People often shave in the morning as part of their daily routine. They might say things like "I need to shave this weekend because I'm going to a wedding" or "My dad shaves every day." Shaving can also refer to cutting thin layers off wood, fabric, or other materials when you're working with them. In woodworking, for example, it's common to shave a piece of wood down to size.

How common is "shave"?

Word shave is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

verb

To make bald or shorter by using a tool such as a razor or pair of electric clippers to cut the hair close to the skin.
To cut anything in this fashion.
Example: The labourer with the bending scythe is seen / Shaving the surface of the waving green.
To remove hair from one's face by this means.
Example: I had little time to shave this morning.
To cut finely, as with slices of meat.
To skim along or near the surface of; to pass close to, or touch lightly, in passing.
To reduce in size or weight.
To be hard and severe in a bargain with; to practice extortion on; to cheat.
To buy (a note) at a discount greater than the legal rate of interest, or to deduct in discounting it more than the legal rate allows.