chopping block

noun

1
: a wooden block on which material (such as meat, wood, or vegetables) is cut, split, or diced
2
: a situation in which someone or something is threatened with elimination
government programs on the chopping block

Examples of chopping block in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
On the chopping block are six intervention teachers serving students who need intensive academic help. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026 Without urgent intervention, up to 40,000 jobs could be on the chopping block, Leteka said. Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2026 Across the country, districts are being asked to do more with less, and arts programs are again on the chopping block. Gale Brewer, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026 Under the proposal, all but three of the nine schools that would receive students have lower state ratings than their campus on the chopping block. Claire Partain, Houston Chronicle, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chopping block

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chopping block was in 1600

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chopping block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chopping%20block. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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