cutback

1 of 2

noun

cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak 

1

: something cut back

2

: reduction

a cutback in funding

cut back

2 of 2

verb

cut back; cutting back; cuts back

transitive verb

: to shorten by cutting : prune

intransitive verb

1

: to interrupt the sequence of a plot (as of a movie) by introducing events prior to those last presented

2

: cut down

cut back on sugar

Synonyms

Verb

• shave
• cut
• clip
• trim
• lop (off)

Examples of cutback in a Sentence

Verb

we need to cut back the bushes a bit so that the house number is visible from the street

cut back the meeting so everyone could leave early for the long weekend

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Sergio Busquets dictates rhythm, Jordi Alba widens the pitch and Luis Suárez stays on the last shoulder for cutbacks. —Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025

At a town hall in Donalds’ district in April, his constituents showed up after the Trump administration announced a series of government cutbacks. —Kirby Wilson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2025

Verb

Digging and cutting back garden thugs is often necessary to preserve what grows on your side of the fence. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2025

His wife, however, still refuses to cut back her hours. —Ashley Vega, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1871, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for cutback

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

Kids Definition

cutback

1 of 2 noun

cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak 

: an act or instance of cutting something back

cut back

2 of 2 verb

ˈkət-ˈbak

1

a

: prune entry 2 sense 2

b

: prune entry 2 sense 2a

2

: to reduce something in amount

cut back on smoking