To shave means to cut hair very close to the skin, usually from the face or body, using a razor or similar tool. When men shave their faces, they're removing stubble to create a smooth surface. Swimmers sometimes shave their legs to reduce drag in the water.

The word also means to cut or trim something in very thin layers. A carpenter might shave wood with a special plane to make it fit perfectly, removing tiny curls of material until the piece is exactly right. A cook might shave thin slices of chocolate or cheese over a dish using a peeler or grater.

You can also shave small amounts off of something abstract. If you're trying to beat your best time in a race, you might shave two seconds off by running more efficiently. A family trying to save money might shave their grocery budget by planning meals more carefully.

The phrase a close shave means a narrow escape from danger or disaster. If you barely avoid crashing your bike when someone opens a car door, that's a close shave.