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

The Bruins had just nine shots on goal through two periods but led 2-1 after Lindholm stole a clearing attempt, turned and sent a cross-ice pass to Geekie, who one-timed a shot from the left circle 72 seconds into the period. —CBS News, 7 Dec. 2025

Colorado had two clearing attempts that nearly trickled into New York’s empty net, but both ended up as icings and helped the Rangers keep the pressure on. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 6 Dec. 2025

Logging and the clearing of forests for plantations and mining have stripped the earth of its protective cover. —Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

With Yarbo leading innovation, snow clearing is now safer, faster, and more efficient. —New Atlas, 2 Dec. 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