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 of cutback

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

While sports — a strong suit of Wasserman — has been growing along with valuations of teams and media rights fees, talent in entertainment and other areas has been constrained by corporate cutbacks. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2026

As the Ivorian latches onto the through pass, Ryan Longman appears into shot, finishing first-time from a cutback to put the away side into the lead. —Thom Harris, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026

Verb

That’s important, because if Americans are thrown out of work, they may be forced to cut back, economists say, hitting companies’ profits and triggering even more layoffs. —Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026

Harvest by cutting back leaves when young, since these are sweeter than older leaves. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1611, 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