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

Soy milk is an excellent alternative for people who practice a vegan diet or want to cut down on dairy milk. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 20 May 2025

These new rules, which aim to cut down on shark bycatch and regulate harmful fishing practices, represent a significant step forward. —Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

Breaded chicken bakes alongside seasoned veggies on a single pan, cutting down on cleanup while still delivering crispy, cheesy goodness. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2025

The bill asks federal government to cover costs for the first 5 years, with a provision to instruct the USDA Secretary to provide $50 million for state grants to facilitate the program’s operation, at a time when the federal government is looking to cut down on spending for food assistance. —James Watson, Hartford Courant, 14 May 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)