cord-cutter

noun

cord-cut·​ter ˈkȯrd-ˌkə-tər How to pronounce cord-cutter (audio)
variants or less commonly cord cutter
plural cord-cutters also cord cutters
: someone who chooses to stop subscribing to cable television or to a landline telephone service
And now cord-cutters can watch Olympics coverage on the website and app, too …Noel Murray
It … is a little pricey for catching one game but might be worth it if you're a cord cutter that regularly wants access to live programming.Emily Price
Landline telephone cord-cutters are embracing mobile Internet as well …TendersInfo

Examples of cord-cutter in a Sentence

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.
Sling is ideal for cord-cutters who want flexibility and affordability without a long-term commitment. Katie Ann Lehman, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025 Mouse House in the dog house Unfortunately, for millions of cord-cutters, an increase in streaming service prices isn’t surprising. Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2025 How to watch Jimmy Kimmel Live without cable When Kimmel returns to the air with guests Glen Powell and Sarah McLachlan, cord-cutters will have an easy time tuning in to see what the host has to say about the ABC controversy. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2025 Cable viewers can watch the series on NBC, while cord-cutters can stream the reality on a live TV streaming service that carries the network, including Sling (in some markets). Rudie Obias, HollywoodReporter, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cord-cutter

Word History

First Known Use

1998, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cord-cutter was in 1998

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cord-cutter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cord-cutter. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!