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

Rescuers aboard the copter plucked the hiker to safety from a riverbank, the helicopter touching down in a clearing where, even after his ordeal, the hiker was able to walk from the craft under his own power. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2025

There are various locations within the park that are good for northern lights viewing, from the miles of lakeshore to backcountry clearings—really, anywhere with unobstructed, north-facing views will do. —Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 19 Aug. 2025

When those notices are issued, the city's Homeless Services Division visits the property leading up to a clearing to help relocate people or provide services in the hopes that by the time the deadline arrives, no one is left in the area. —Keely Doll, The Courier-Journal, 15 Aug. 2025

There was a clearing on a bluff with a view of the water. —Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 12 Aug. 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