clearing

noun

clear·​ing ˈklir-iŋ 

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

Synonyms

• acquittal
• exculpation
• exoneration
• vindication

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

Readers noticed a large patch of tree clearings along southbound Interstate 71 between the Kenwood Road and Stewart Road exits and asked The Enquirer what happened. —Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 10 July 2024

Generous policies toward the homeless risk triggering public backlash, but clearing encampments without offering a variety of housing options will only repeat the mistakes that have been made for decades. —Ella Howard / Made By History, TIME, 10 July 2024

Video posted by the Sheriff’s office showed the group, from the Sacramento area, in a clearing above a creek beside the Palisades Creek trail in rocky, rough terrain. —Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 8 July 2024

The bid winners also foot the bill for the preparation—clearing roads, repaving asphalt, routing traffic, insurance and crowd infrastructure—which typically more than doubles the cost. —Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 30 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clearing

• clearing bank

Kids Definition

clearing

noun

clear·​ing ˈkli(ə)r-iŋ 

1

: the act or process of making or becoming clear

2

: an area of land cleared of wood and brush