cut down

verb

cut down; cutting down; cuts down

Definition of cut down

transitive verb

1a : to strike down and kill or incapacitate

b : knock down

2a : 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

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

Mud became an obstacle, especially for media carrying gear, and various set times were cut down 15-20 minutes to make up for the time lost. — Jessi Roti, chicagotribune.com, "Chicago’s wet summer interrupts outdoor concerts while fests like Lolla prepare emergency evacuation plans," 15 July 2019 Nobody is arguing that trees are therefore bad for climate and should be cut down. — Fred Pearce, WIRED, "Trees Emit a Surprisingly Large Amount of Methane," 9 July 2019 Chapman and Matt Olson walked to open the 10th inning but both were cut down on fielder’s choices, including the play at the plate when Mark Canha hit a bouncer to third. — Susan Slusser, SFChronicle.com, "A’s lose 4-3 in 12 innings, winning streak ends at 4," 3 July 2019 Greg Oden was an all-world talent whose career was cut down by injury. — Michael Shapiro, SI.com, "Greg Oden Leans on His NBA Experience to Advise Future Stars," 19 June 2019 The 6-foot-6 Winfield would wind up in right field, where his powerful throws cut down many a man trying to go first-to-third. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Who are 10 most impactful players in Padres history?," 23 June 2019 One way to cut down on grocery expenses is to go to the grocery store less often. — Jan Burns, Houston Chronicle, "On budget: Smart senior shoppers can save money," 21 June 2019 Jesse Winker had himself a day: Three hits, four times on base, walk-off single, perfect throw in the 8th to cut down Tony Kemp at the plate when the Reds were down 2-1. — Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, "Doc's Morning Line: Cincinnati Reds rebuild not over but David Bell has players' attention," 19 June 2019 Here are some easy ways to cut down on single-use plastics right now. — Kathleen Newman-bremang, refinery29.com, "How To Cut Down On Single-Use Plastics Before They're Banned," 18 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cut down.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.