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 of clearing

• pardon
• forgiveness
• vindication
• acquittal
• exoneration

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

Signs that may suggest swallowing difficulty include coughing or throat clearing during meals, needing extra time to chew food, or avoiding certain textures — especially dry or sticky foods. —Sundeep Venkatesan, The Conversation, 23 Mar. 2026

Dry conditions, rising heat and road traffic disruptions have prompted Colorado officials to expand forest tree-clearing and grassland mowing along highways in an attempt to prevent wildfires from shutting down transportation. —Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 23 Mar. 2026

Vitello was in the stands at Busch Stadium on July 24, 1988, when Giants star Will Clark slid hard into Cardinals infielder José Oquendo and sparked a benches-clearing brawl. —Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2026

Chelly the German Shepherd trotted into the clearing and stood at attention, ears alert and straining on her leash. —Liz Teitz, San Antonio Express-News, 19 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clearing

• clearing bank

Rhymes for clearing

• cheering
• earing
• earring
• fearing
• gearing
• hearing
• jeering
• leering
• nearing
• peering
• rearing
• searing

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