bevel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, specialized (primarily in woodworking, manufacturing, design)
Quick answer
What does “bevel” mean?
A sloping surface or edge that is not at a right angle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sloping surface or edge that is not at a right angle; the angle or slant of such a surface.
In carpentry, engineering, and graphic design, a bevel refers to a cut or edge that is sloped, typically used for joining pieces, for aesthetic chamfering, or to prevent sharp edges.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The tool 'bevel square' or 'sliding bevel' is common in both.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency outside technical contexts in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “bevel” in a Sentence
to bevel [OBJECT] (e.g., Bevel the edge of the tabletop)[OBJECT] is bevelled (e.g., The mirror was beautifully bevelled)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bevel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You'll need to bevel the edges before gluing the mitre joint.
- The machinist bevelled the steel plate for welding.
American English
- Bevel the countertop edge to match the profile of the cabinets.
- The software can automatically bevel the selected vertices.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like fabrication or bespoke furniture sales.
Academic
Used in engineering, architecture, and materials science papers.
Everyday
Very rare; understood mainly by DIY enthusiasts or crafters.
Technical
The primary domain. Common in woodworking, metalworking, glass cutting, and 3D modelling software (e.g., 'bevel modifier').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bevel”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bevel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bevel”
- Confusing 'bevel' (slope on an edge) with 'level' (horizontally even).
- Using 'bevel' as a general synonym for any angle, rather than specifically a sloped *edge* or *surface*.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically, a bevel is any sloped edge. A chamfer is a specific type of bevel, usually a symmetrical 45-degree cut on a corner. In many practical contexts, especially woodworking, they are used interchangeably.
No, it is a specialized term. Most people will encounter it only in specific DIY, craft, or technical situations. It is not part of general everyday vocabulary.
Yes. As a verb, it means 'to cut a sloped edge on something' (e.g., 'He bevelled the edge of the shelf').
It is pronounced BEV-uhl, with the stress on the first syllable. The 'e' sounds like the 'e' in 'get'.
A sloping surface or edge that is not at a right angle.
Bevel is usually technical, specialized (primarily in woodworking, manufacturing, design) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BEVelled mirror in a BEautiful hotel lobby – the edge is sloped and shiny.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BEVEL IS A TRANSITION: It smoothes the harsh change from one surface to another.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'bevel' LEAST likely to be used?