cutout

1 of 3

noun

cut·​out ˈkət-ˌau̇t How to pronounce cutout (audio)
1
: something cut out or off from something else
also : the space or hole left after cutting
2
: one that cuts out
3
: an intermediary in a clandestine operation
4
: a record album no longer in production that is sold at a discount
cutout adjective

cut out

2 of 3

verb

cut out; cutting out; cuts out

transitive verb

1
: to form by erosion
2
: to determine or assign through necessity
you've got your work cut out for you
3
: to take the place of : supplant
4
: to put an end to : desist from
cut out wasteful spending
5
: deprive, defraud
cut him out of his share
6
a
: to remove from a series or circuit : disconnect
cut out a car from a train
b
: to make inoperative

intransitive verb

1
: to depart in haste
2
: to cease operating
3
: to swerve out of a traffic line

cut out

3 of 3

adjective

: naturally fitted or suited
not cut out to be a vet

Examples of cutout in a Sentence

Noun a cardboard cutout of a famous actor Verb the engine abruptly cut out now cut that out, or I'm turning this car around!
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Two huge inflatable 87’s decorated the mainstage, while cutouts of his face adorned the portable toilets. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2024 Chan shares that one particular shot of her a periwinkle one-piece with a cutout showing her bare midriff shows the progress she's made toward self-love. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 17 May 2024 The edges of the cutouts were often adorned with some of those same materials, or with other plant materials. Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 15 May 2024 Side Cutout One-Piece Swimsuit $20 $10 This nifty cutout one-piece swimsuit has an asymmetric neckline with one tank sleeve and one spaghetti strap. Olivia Campbell, Parents, 13 May 2024 Often made visible through a cutout on the dial, the tourbillon is inherently showy and a relatively easy way to enliven an otherwise standard wristwatch. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 10 May 2024 Deep Self Cutout Midi Dress From the side cutouts to the trendy midi length, this dress is an absolute must for summer. Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 8 May 2024 The archive ensemble, which has never been worn, electrified the red carpet with its plunging neckline, sheer cutout and more than 100,000 beads and sequins. Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 7 May 2024 Jennie’s minidress featured a daring yet fun cutout featuring a charmed waist chain. Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 May 2024
Verb
Cape Town's paramedics have long had their work cut out responding to emergencies in one of the world's most crime-prone cities, but over the past decade, a worrying shift has taken place. Tommy Trenchard, NPR, 19 May 2024 The audio frequently cut out as the researchers spoke during their demo. Rachel Metz, Fortune, 13 May 2024 Call recommends starting by picking one or two areas to focus on, like cutting out artificial sweeteners or boosting gut health with probiotics. Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 10 May 2024 With thunderstorms in the forecast Wednesday through Friday, and a chance severe weather on Wednesday and Thursday, Stettner figures to have his work cut out for him. Steve Lyttle, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2024 Kim Godwin hoped to build ABC News‘ future by cutting out some of its past. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 6 May 2024 Truly, some managers are simply not cut out for the job. Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2024 These drugs work in tandem with lifestyle changes, such as cutting out alcohol and caffeine, consuming small, more frequent meals, and quitting smoking. Denise Mann, Health, 3 May 2024 However, its red-teaming units have their work cut out for them. Emilia David, The Verge, 2 May 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cutout.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cutout was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near cutout

Cite this Entry

“Cutout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutout. Accessed 23 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

cutout

1 of 3 noun
cut·​out ˈkət-ˌau̇t How to pronounce cutout (audio)
: something cut out or off from something else
cutout adjective

cut out

2 of 3 verb
1
: to assign through necessity
you've got your work cut out for you
2
: to put an end to
now cut that out
3
: to come to a stop
the engines cut out

cut out

3 of 3 adjective
: naturally suited
not cut out for teaching
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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