clearing

noun

clear·​ing ˈklir-iŋ 

1

: the act or process of making or becoming clear

2

: a tract of land cleared of wood and brush

3

: the settlement of accounts or exchange of financial instruments especially between banks

Synonyms

• pardon
• forgiveness
• vindication
• acquittal
• exoneration

Examples of clearing in a Sentence

the clearing of the table

the clearing of wood and brush from part of the forest

We found a clearing in the forest.

Recent Examples on the Web

The city’s clearing of its largest encampment, however, triggered other mini-sites because residents either failed to find shelter elsewhere or declined the city’s offer, as in this case. —Devan Patel, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025

Data is also collected from the El Cajon Homeless Task Force, as well as from park staff as clearings are completed. —Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Oct. 2025

Designed to minimize the risks faced by troops on the frontlines, Ukraine’s NUMO ground robot features a modular design that accommodates a range of attachments, from turrets and relay masts to wire cutters and mine-clearing equipment. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025

Vidal created for himself at times, but the Chargers’ front did an excellent job of creating movement and clearing holes. —Daniel Popper, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clearing

• clearing bank

Rhymes for clearing

• cheering
• earing
• earring
• fearing
• gearing
• hearing
• jeering
• leering
• nearing
• peering
• rearing
• searing

Kids Definition

clearing

noun

clear·​ing ˈkli(ə)r-iŋ 

1

: the act or process of making or becoming clear

2

: an area of land cleared of wood and brush