carve out
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To hollow by carving.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To create (a reputation, chance, role, rank, career, victory) by hard work, or as if by cutting.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “carve out” mean?
To hollow by carving.
Is “carve out” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.