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

The measure is just the latest in a string of attempts Amsterdam has undertaken to cut down on tourism. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2024

Even though the investigation is still underway, Greco believes the counterfeit products are the result of unlicensed providers trying to cut down on costs by getting them through unreliable third parties — and hurting their unknowing clientele. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 19 Apr. 2024

If your backpacking trip has limited or no access to potable water (such as deserts and arid environments), cutting down on perspiration can make a big difference. —Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2024

South Carolina joins an elite group of teams who went through the entire season undefeated, and then cut down the nets at the end. —Patricia Garcia, Sacramento Bee, 9 Apr. 2024

Next, he is seen taking what appeared to be a knife and cutting down the flag pole strings. —Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 6 Apr. 2024

Approximately 150 cherry trees will be cut down during the project. —Kevin Ambrose, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024

Other ways to see a decrease on the scale include cutting down on sugary foods, eating less simple carbohydrates, and focusing on high-protein meals. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

This can significantly cut down — or completely eliminate — time spent waiting in line while in the club. —Kimberly Cataudella Tutuska, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

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)