clearing

noun

clear·​ing ˈklir-iŋ How to pronounce clearing (audio)
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

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 referendum wasn’t binding, but protestors have been camping in the woods to prevent clearing attempts. Steve Mollman, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 Although South Africa has cleared invasive species for several decades, previous government efforts paid low wages and at times suffered from public budget cuts, so the clearing campaign was sometimes erratic or scattershot. Katharine Houreld, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 Cloudy early, then gradual clearing, with a high near 37. Aaron Valdez, The Enquirer, 24 Feb. 2024 The four settlers were in a clearing; one had an M16 and was walking along the edge of the terraced grove of olive trees. Shane Bauer, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024 There's snow in the forecast most of the week before a partial clearing Sunday. John Bacon, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 The majority of the clearing has been bushy, understory vegetation and young trees. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 22 Feb. 2024 The 175-acre mountain hideaway is nestled in a clearing surrounded by towering Douglas Firs along the scenic Columbia River Gorge. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 13 Feb. 2024 Express forecast Today: Early-morning fog, partial clearing. David Streit, Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clearing.' 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

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clearing was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near clearing

Cite this Entry

“Clearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clearing. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

clearing

noun
clear·​ing ˈkli(ə)r-iŋ How to pronounce clearing (audio)
1
: the act or process of making or becoming clear
2
: an area of land cleared of wood and brush

More from Merriam-Webster on clearing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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