as in chip
a V-shaped cut usually on an edge or a surface with a handsaw I made a kerf in the board to mark where I needed to cut

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of kerf Make the first pass on all four posts, adjust the saw’s fence, and then make additional passes until the kerfs are formed. Paul Steiner, Popular Mechanics, 24 Mar. 2023 Next, cut kerfs for the splines in the corner posts and side pieces. Paul Steiner, Popular Mechanics, 24 Mar. 2023 Mark the kerf on the end grain of a post. Paul Steiner, Popular Mechanics, 24 Mar. 2023 This reduces bowing and creates a thinner kerf, making pull saws ideal for joints and other fine woodwork. Pierre Tardif, WSJ, 3 June 2021 Begin by ripping and crosscutting the shelves, the sides, the bottom and the top panel from red-oak plywood with a 40-tooth thin-kerf blade in a circular saw. Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 26 Sep. 2020 The thin-kerf chain (its teeth are 3/32-inch wide) zips through each cut with smoothness and precision. Roy Berendson, Popular Mechanics, 18 Mar. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kerf
Noun
  • Microchip and rivals such as ON Semiconductor, which soared 21.8% from its lows of the day, have slumped since the market peaked in February, despite semiconductors being excluded from the tariff increases, hurt by concern that the economy would slow and demand for chips would weaken.
    Sean Conlon, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • That's because chip industry insiders widely expected the Trump administration to impose curbs on the H20, the most cutting-edge AI chip U.S. companies can legally sell to China, a crucial market to one of the world's most valuable companies.
    Bobby Allyn, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Macron opted for a dark navy midi dress with a slight slit on the skirt and a small anchor embellishment.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Featuring a snug fit from the waist to the thighs, the flared bottom has a low slit at each ankle to show off your best shoes.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But the upscale East Sacramento concept finds its groove in somewhat unexpected places and is eager for new customers.
    Benjy Egel, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Both the top and the bottom are textured with two lengthwise grooves that make the P21 easy to grip, and the two long sides are gently curved.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The core materials were then mixed with oats and water and pressed into molds with bubble-like indents and rough line patterns.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The Honda sustained damage to its front passenger side, and the Outback had an indent to its front driver-side bumper.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kerf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kerf. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!