cut-and-paste

adjective

ˌkət-ᵊn-ˈpāst 

: pieced together by excerpting and combining fragments from multiple sources

the book was a cut-and-paste job

Examples of cut-and-paste in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Moving Hamlet’s most famous speech is simply the most glaring example of Hastie’s overall cut-and-paste approach. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 5 May 2026

The pathogen was new to my system, and sections of my DNA moved around and recombined—an immunological cut-and-paste—to form a new code, one that could produce antibodies capable of fighting mycoplasma. — Jerome Groopman, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026

After decades of enduring cut-and-paste menus that reduced the vast lexicon of Subcontinental cuisines into some combination of butter chicken, saag paneer, and naan, New Yorkers are lately spoiled for choice as chefs double down on regional cuisines and authentic flavors. — Sarah Khan, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Mar. 2026

Democrats’ attempt to cut-and-paste a California or New York agenda onto Virginia may thrill party activists and donors. — Ray Nothstine, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cut-and-paste

• aftertaste
• interfaced
• interlaced
• abased
• barefaced
• debased
• defaced
• disgraced
• displaced
• distaste
• effaced
• embraced