cutback

1 of 2

noun

cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak 

1

: something cut back

2

: reduction

a cutback in funding

cut back

2 of 2

verb

cut back; cutting back; cuts back

transitive verb

: to shorten by cutting : prune

intransitive verb

1

: to interrupt the sequence of a plot (as of a movie) by introducing events prior to those last presented

2

: cut down

cut back on sugar

Synonyms

Verb

• shave
• cut
• clip
• trim
• lop (off)

Examples of cutback in a Sentence

Verb

we need to cut back the bushes a bit so that the house number is visible from the street

cut back the meeting so everyone could leave early for the long weekend

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Toronto tied it up in the 60th minute when Richie Laryea sprinted and made a diving cutback pass from the endline to an unmarked Djordje Mihailovic, who knocked it past Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025

Reactions to the cutbacks were swift and predictable. —Craig Rucker, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 2025

Verb

Drinking more water, increasing physical activity, eating potassium-rich foods, and cutting back on salt may improve excretion and potentially improve blood pressure. —Md Published, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2025

Otherwise, the city could hire a contractor to cut back the vegetation at Lesesne’s expense or cite him for a misdemeanor. —Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1871, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for cutback

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

Kids Definition

cutback

1 of 2 noun

cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak 

: an act or instance of cutting something back

cut back

2 of 2 verb

ˈkət-ˈbak

1

a

: prune entry 2 sense 2

b

: prune entry 2 sense 2a

2

: to reduce something in amount

cut back on smoking