clean-cut

adjective

ˈklēn-ˈkət 

1

: cut so that the surface or edge is smooth and even

2

: sharply defined

3

: of wholesome appearance

Examples of clean-cut in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sitcoms have evolved over the years, from clean-cut family shows like The Andy Griffith Show to irreverent farces like Arrested Development to genre-bending dramedies like BoJack Horseman. —Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 16 Aug. 2025

Neutral tones add to Field of Study’s clean-cut aesthetic. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 June 2025

Whereas Joshua wears clean-cut, mixed-fabrics looks, as if he’s just stepped off a runway, Sonny opts for various combinations of denim (costumes by Julian Day). —Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025

The flame was lit again nearly two decades later when Evans reprised his role as Johnny Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) — this time with more facial hair than his initial clean-cut image. —Devan Coggan, EW.com, 13 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for clean-cut

• abut
• catgut
• chesnut
• chestnut
• donut
• doughnut
• groundnut
• haircut
• hindgut
• midgut
• precut
• rebut

Kids Definition

clean-cut

adjective

ˈklēn-ˈkət

: neat and wholesome looking