clearing

noun

clear·​ing ˈklir-iŋ How to pronounce clearing (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mayor Michelle Wu implemented a plan to clean up the troubled intersection, commonly known as Mass and Cass, in November 2023, beginning with the clearing of a long-standing homeless encampment. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025 The entire system is expected to be through the region by Monday morning, and gradual clearing from the cloudy days is expected to take place into early next week. Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2025 The clearing of trees on the south grounds and other site preparation work for the construction started in September. Dave Smith, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025 That is despite the fact that polls showed that her candidacy in the California gubernatorial race would have a field-clearing effect. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clearing

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clearing was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Clearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clearing. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

clearing

noun
clear·​ing ˈkli(ə)r-iŋ How to pronounce clearing (audio)
1
: the act or process of making or becoming clear
2
: an area of land cleared of wood and brush

More from Merriam-Webster on clearing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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