Meaning & use

chisel

noun·Everyday

A hand tool with a sharp flat edge, used to cut or shape wood, stone, or metal.

See it in a sentence

The sculptor used a small chisel to carve delicate details into the marble block.

He kept his chisels sharp so they would slice cleanly through the oak.

A note on using this word

As a verb, to chisel can also mean to shape something carefully or, informally, to cheat someone out of money.

Words with a similar meaning

bladegouge

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To cheat or swindle someone, especially out of money, through dishonest dealing.

He was accused of trying to chisel elderly customers out of their savings.

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