shaving

noun

shav·​ing ˈshā-viŋ How to pronounce shaving (audio)
Synonyms of shavingnext
1
: the act of one that shaves
2
: something shaved off
wood shavings

Examples of shaving in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This classic coconut cake has coconut extract, flaked coconut, and coconut shavings on the ingredient list, so there’s no shortage of flavor. — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 23 July 2026 Advice is likely to move upstream, away from shaving fixes and toward friction reduction. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 Chlorine doesn't magically seal a shaving nick, scraped knee, or healing surgical incision. — Angela Haupt, Time, 20 July 2026 Hang upside down to dry before cutting off the stalk and storing them in cardboard or wood boxes lined with newspaper, sawdust, vermiculite, wood shavings or peat moss. — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shaving

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shaving was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing shaving

Rhymes for shaving

See All Rhymes for shaving

Browse Nearby Words

shavie
shaving
shaving board
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shaving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaving. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shaving

noun
shav·​ing
ˈshā-viŋ
1
: the act of one that shaves
2
: something shaved off
wood shavings

More from Merriam-Webster on shaving

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for shaving

Nglish: Translation of shaving for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shaving

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