Definition of carving

The word "carving" has its roots in Old English. It comes from the word "ceorfan," which means "to cut or shear." This Old English word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*kurbiz," which is also the source of the Modern English word "curb." In the 14th century, the word "carving" began to be used to describe the act of shaping or cutting wood, stone, or other materials. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include the act of cutting or trimming food, particularly meat and vegetables. So, the next time you're carving a turkey or a pumpkin, remember that the word "carving" has a rich history that dates back to Old English!