cut down

verb

cut down; cutting down; cuts down

transitive verb

1

a

: to strike down and kill or incapacitate

b

: knock down

2

a

: to remodel by removing extras or unwanted furnishings and fittings

b

: to remake in a smaller size

intransitive verb

: to reduce or curtail volume or activity

cut down on smoking

Phrases

cut down to size

: to reduce from an inflated or exaggerated importance to true or suitable stature

Examples of cut down in a Sentence

we need to cut down that dying tree

Recent Examples on the Web

To cut down on cost and find something one-of-a-kind, search your local thrift store's book and movie sections. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2025

Meanwhile, the city's interim mayor is looking to cut down on expenses to chip away at the city's $4 million debt by eliminating staff and handing over city dispatching services to the county. —Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2025

The new route will run every 15 to 20 minutes during peak hours, cutting down on wait times as long as 75 minutes for some riders. —Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025

The ionic technology seals the hair cuticle to cut down on frizz. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for cut down

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Kids Definition

cut down

verb

1

: to knock down and kill or wound

2

: to make over in a smaller size

3

: to reduce something in amount

cut down on energy use

Medical Definition

cutdown

noun

cut·​down ˈkət-ˌdau̇n 

: incision of a superficial blood vessel (as a vein) to facilitate insertion of a catheter (as for administration of fluids)