WordGarden.iobevel
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈɛvəl/
US
- /ˈbɛvəl/
Meanings
Noun
a sloping edge or surface cut at an angle
an adjustable tool used to mark, copy, or check angles
Verb
to cut or shape an edge so it slopes at an angle
Beyond the definition
Imagine the edge of a decorative mirror—it doesn't just end abruptly; it slopes down gracefully toward the frame. That's a bevel. It's a sloping surface created when the edge of an object is cut or ground at an angle rather than being perfectly square. You might find a bevel on tools like chisels to make them sharper and easier to control, or on furniture for both aesthetic appeal and comfort. A bevel isn't just a noun, though; it can also describe the act of creating that angled edge. Think of a carpenter carefully beveling the edges of a wooden plank so that two pieces can fit together in a seamless joint.
A bevel is an angled surface created when one edge of a shape or object is cut at an oblique angle, rather than at a right angle. It is a versatile feature that serves both practical and aesthetic purposes across many fields. Think about the blade of a knife—that angled edge isn't just for show! It creates the thinness necessary for a sharp, controlled cut.
You'll encounter bevels in woodworking, metalworking, engineering, and even digital design. A carpenter might bevel an edge to create a tight-fitting joint, while a machinist might bevel the end of a pipe to prepare it for welding. In graphic design, a bevel effect is a popular tool used to add depth and dimension to digital images, making flat buttons appear three-dimensional. Additionally, the term can refer to a "bevel square," a specialized tool used by craftsmen to measure and mark specific angles.
You'll often see it used as both a noun (the angled edge itself) and a verb (the act of creating the angle). For example: "He carefully beveled the corners of the table," or "The mirror had a decorative bevel around its edges." Whether you're admiring the craftsmanship of a beveled piece of glass or working with tools in a workshop, understanding bevels is about recognizing how angled surfaces are used to enhance both function and form.
Examples
- 1
Carpentry
The carpenter beveled the edge of the shelf so it would feel smoother in your hand.
- 2
Mirror design
The mirror has a narrow bevel around the outside, so it catches the light.
- 3
Product design
The phone has beveled edges instead of sharp corners.
See also
Forms and spellings
6 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- bevelnounverb
Forms
- beveledpast tenseverbnoun
- bevelledpast tenseverbnoun
- bevelspluralnounverb
- beveling-ing formverbnoun
- bevelling-ing formverbnoun