: a metal tool with a sharpened edge at one end used to chip, carve, or cut into a solid material (such as wood, stone, or metal)
chiseled or chiselled; chiseling or chiselling
ˈchi-zə-liŋ 
ˈchiz-liŋ
1
: to cut or work with or as if with a chisel
2
: to employ shrewd or unfair practices on in order to obtain one's end
also
: to obtain by such practices
chisel a job
1
: to work with or as if with a chisel
2
a
: to employ shrewd or unfair practices
b
: to thrust oneself : intrude
chisel in on a racket
Synonyms
Verb
Examples of chisel in a Sentence
Verb
He chiseled off a corner of the block.
Letters were chiseled into a wall.
Recent Examples on the Web
Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 May 2024
Don’t worry, caregivers: The chisel that comes with this kit is not sharp or dangerous.
—Ashley Ziegler, Parents, 13 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for chisel 
Noun
This morning, the pair entered London’s British Library and took a chisel and hammer to the Magna Carta’s protective glass.
—Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 May 2024
Don’t worry, caregivers: The chisel that comes with this kit is not sharp or dangerous.
—Ashley Ziegler, Parents, 13 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for chisel
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chisel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near chisel
Cite this Entry
“Chisel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chisel. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
chisel
1 of 2 noun
chis·el
ˈchiz-əl
: a metal tool with a cutting edge at the end of a blade used to shape or chip away a solid material (as stone, wood, or metal)
chisel
2 of 2 verb
chiseled or chiselled; chiseling or chiselling
ˈchiz-(ə-)liŋ
1
: to cut or work with or as if with a chisel
2
: to use unfair or dishonest methods
chiseler
noun
ˈchiz-(ə-)lər
Medical Definition
chisel
noun
chis·el
ˈchiz-əl
: a metal tool with a cutting edge at the end of a blade
especially
: one used in dentistry (as for cutting or shaping enamel)
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