What does beveled mean?
"Beveled" describes an edge, corner, or surface that has been cut away at a slanted angle rather than meeting adjoining faces at a right angle. The word functions primarily as an adjective — as in "a beveled mirror" or "a beveled edge" — and also serves as the past tense and past participle of the verb "to bevel," which means to shape something in this way. It appears most often in contexts involving woodworking, cabinetry, stonemasonry, jewelry-making, and glasswork, where angled edges serve both practical purposes (removing sharp corners, easing assembly) and aesthetic ones (catching and reflecting light). In American English it is spelled with a single "l" ("beveled"); British English uses "bevelled." Related terms such as "chamfered" describe similar treatments, though a chamfer usually implies a specific flat, angled strip. The word connotes careful craftsmanship and finished quality, making it a staple term in design, architecture, and manufacturing vocabulary.
Having an edge, border, or surface cut at a slanted angle other than ninety degrees.
"The antique vanity featured a beautifully beveled mirror that softened the reflection at its borders."
Most common in descriptions of glasswork, mirrors, countertops, and architectural details.
Past tense and past participle of 'bevel': to have cut or shaped an edge at a slanted angle.
"The joiner beveled each plank carefully before assembling the frame."
That slanted strip of polished glass framing almost every bathroom mirror in America has a name — and it's been catching light since craftsmen first learned to grind edges at an angle.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of beveled
"Beveled" derives from the noun "bevel," which entered English around the early seventeenth century, likely through French. The ultimate origin of "bevel" itself is uncertain, though it may relate to Old French terms for an angled instrument or surface. The closely related word "bezel" — the angled rim holding a gemstone — likely shares a similar lineage. The adjective and participial form "beveled" developed naturally from the verb "to bevel" as craft and construction trades adopted the term into standard technical usage.
Related word forms
How beveled is actually used
Predominantly used in technical, craft, carpentry, glasswork, and design contexts. In American typography and publishing, 'beveled' with one 'l' follows standard US spelling conventions, while British publications use 'bevelled'. The word carries a neutral-to-positive connotation, often suggesting fine craftsmanship or a refined, finished appearance.
Easily confused with beveled
'Bevelled' is simply the British English spelling of the same word; 'beveled' with one 'l' is the American convention.
A chamfer typically refers to a small flat strip cut at 45 degrees to remove a sharp corner, while a bevel is any angled edge cut at an angle other than 90 degrees.