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

• 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

The Navajo Nation was under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, which ban activities such as trash burning and field clearing. —Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 5 July 2025

At the end of March, about $320 billion worth — the bulk of the assets — was being held by Belgian clearing house Euroclear. —Lorne Cook, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025

Local outreach advocates say camp clearings are causing unhoused people to be cut off from resources and services needed to survive. —Keely Doll, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

Labor Day: Forecasts call for clearing skies, providing a brief reprieve from an otherwise active summer. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

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