to cut (a solid material) so as to form something

to carve a piece of pine.

to form from a solid material by cutting

to carve a statue out of stone.

to cut into slices or pieces, as a roast of meat.

to decorate with designs or figures cut on the surface

The top of the box was beautifully carved with figures of lions and unicorns.

to cut (a design, figures, etc.) on a surface

Figures of lions and unicorns were carved on the top of the box.

to make or create for oneself (often fol. by out )

He carved out a career in business.

to carve figures, designs, etc.

to cut meat.

verb

block out , chip , chisel , cleave , dissect , dissever , divide , engrave , etch , fashion , form , grave , hack , hew , incise , indent , insculpt , model , mold , mould , pattern , rough-hew , sculpt , shape , slash , slice , stipple , sunder , tool , trim , whittle , sever , slit , split , cut , saw , sculpture