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

But the Navy also has divers and small teams of explosive ordnance disposal technicians in the region that are capable of clearing mines. —Ben Finley, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026

While niche, this outdoor vacuum offers relief from the tedious task of clearing leaves and debris from your lawn. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026

The defining moment of San Francisco getting mixed up with Cincinnati was when left-hander Erik Miller struck out rookie Sal Stewart to end last Thursday’s game, then subsequently ignited a benches-clearing brouhaha. —Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026

With a blend of atmospheric beatmaking, gauzy harmonies, and impressionistic songwriting, Quiet Light’s music casts a distinct spell, like stumbling upon Imogen Heap in a forest clearing or imagining a Taylor Swift album produced by Harold Budd. —Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 24 Apr. 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