cut

verb

Save Word

\ ˈkət

cut; cutting

Definition of cut

(Entry 1 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : to penetrate with or as if with an edged instrument cut one's hand with a knife

b : to hurt the feelings of Her sarcasm cut him to the quick.

c : to strike sharply with a cutting effect cut him across the legs with a whip

d : to strike (a ball) with a glancing blow that imparts a reverse spin cut a tennis ball with an inclined racket

e : to experience the growth of (a tooth) through the gum The toddler is cutting a tooth.

f : to harm (oneself) by making cuts or scratches on one's body The reasons given for self-inflicted violence indicate that it is a way of relieving intolerable feelings. When cutting themselves, women (and sometimes men) report that they do not feel any pain.— Deborah Feller

2a : trim, pare cut one's nails

b : to shorten by omissions cut the manuscript

c : dilute, adulterate cut the whiskey with water

d : to reduce in amount cut costs

e : to remove (something, such as text or a picture) from a computer document and place it on the clipboard so that it can be pasted into another position, document, or program

3a : mow, reap cut hay

b(1) : to divide into parts with an edged tool cut bread

(2) : fell, hew cut timber

c(1) : to separate or discharge from an organization cut them from the team

(2) : to single out and isolate cut a calf out from the herd

d : to turn sharply The driver cut the steering wheel hard.

e : to go or pass around or about : bypass cut the checkout line

4a : to divide into segments cut the cake

b : intersect, cross one line cutting another

c : break, interrupt cut our supply lines

d(1) : to divide (a deck of cards) into two portions

(2) : to draw (a card) from the deck

e : to divide into shares : split

f : analyze, break down Any way you cut it, we won.

5a : to make by or as if by cutting: such as

(1) : carve cut stone

(2) : to shape by grinding cut a diamond

(3) : engrave

(4) : to shear or hollow out cut a groove

b(1) : to sing, play, or act for the recording of cut an album cut a commercial

(2) : to sing or play (a song, a track, etc.) for a studio recording

c : to type on a stencil

d : edit sense 1b cut a motion picture

6a : stop, cease cut the nonsense

b : to refuse to recognize (an acquaintance) They cut her dead at the party.

c : to absent oneself from (something, such as a class)

d : to stop (a motor) by opening a switch

e : to stop the filming of (a motion-picture scene)

7a : to engage in (a frolicsome or mischievous action) … on summer nights strange capers are cut under the thin guise of a Christian festival.— Donald Culross Peattie

b : to give the appearance or impression of cut a fine figure

8 : to be able to manage or handle —usually used in negative constructions can't cut that kind of work anymore

9a : to yield or accord to another : give cut me some slack

b : to fill out and sign (a check)

intransitive verb

1a : to function as or as if as an edged tool This knife cuts well.

b : to undergo incision or severance The cheese cuts easily.

c : to perform the operation of dividing, severing, incising, or intersecting The tailor is busy cutting.

d : to make a stroke with a whip, sword, or other weapon

e : to wound feelings or sensibilities remarks that cut

f : to cause constriction or chafing a coat that cuts at the armpits

g : to be of effect, influence, or significance an analysis that cuts deep

2a(1) : to divide a pack of cards especially in order to decide the deal or settle a bet

(2) : to draw a card from the pack

b : to divide spoils : split

3a : to proceed obliquely (see oblique entry 1 sense 1) from a straight course cut across the yard

b : to move swiftly a yacht cutting through the water

c : to describe an oblique or diagonal line

d : to change sharply in direction : swerve The driver cut across three lanes of traffic.

e : to make an abrupt transition from one sound or image to another in motion pictures, radio, or television The film cuts from the ballroom to the garden.

f : to make a sudden transition or imaginative leap The story cuts to 1917.

4 : to stop photographing motion pictures The director yelled "Cut!"

5 : to advance by skipping or bypassing another cut to the front of the line

6 : to engage in self-harm by making cuts or scratches on one's body middle school students reporting they knew of several classmates who cut

cut a deal

: to negotiate an agreement The band cut a deal with the recording company.

cut both ways

: to have both favorable and unfavorable results or implications

cut corners

: to perform some action in the quickest, easiest, or cheapest way

cut ice

: to be of importance —usually used in negative constructions His opinion cuts no ice with me.

cut it

: to cut the mustard

cut loose

1 : to free from control or restraint cut us loose from the contract

2 : to act without restraint enjoyed cutting loose at nightclubs

cut one's teeth

: to learn, do, or perform as a beginning or at the start of one's career an actress who cut her teeth on television

cut the mustard

: to achieve the standard of performance necessary for success She tried to join the soccer team, but she couldn't cut the mustard.

cut to the chase

: to get to the point She urged him to skip the details and cut to the chase.

cut

noun

Definition of cut (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : a product of cutting: such as

a(1) : an opening made with an edged instrument

(2) : a wound made by something sharp : gash

b : a creek, channel, or inlet made by excavation or worn by natural action

c : a surface or outline left by cutting

d : a passage cut as a roadway

e : a grade or step especially in a social scale a cut above the ordinary

f : a subset of a set such that when it is subtracted from the set the remainder is not connected

g : a pictorial illustration

h : track sense 2e(3)

2 : the act or an instance of cutting: such as

a : a gesture or expression that hurts the feelings made an unkind cut

b : a straight passage or course

c : a stroke or blow with the edge of a knife or other edged tool

d : a lash with or as if with a whip

e : the act of reducing or removing a part a cut in pay

f : an act or turn of cutting cards also : the result of cutting

g : the elimination of part of a large field from further participation, consideration, or competition (as in a golf tournament) —often used with miss or make to denote respectively being or not being among those eliminated played well and made the cut

3 : something that is cut or cut off: such as

a : a length of cloth varying from 40 to 100 yards (36.6 to 91.4 meters)

b : the yield of products cut especially during one harvest

c : a segment or section of a meat carcass or a part of one

d : a group of animals selected from a herd

e : share took his cut of the profits

4 : a voluntary absence from a class

5a : a stroke that cuts a ball also : the spin imparted by such a stroke

b : a swing by a batter at a pitched baseball

c : an exchange of captures in checkers

6 : a result of editing: such as

a : an abrupt transition from one sound or image to another in motion pictures, radio, or television

b : an edited version of a film

7a : the shape and style in which a thing is cut, formed, or made clothes of the latest cut

b : pattern, type

c : haircut

cut of one's jib

: appearance, style

cut

adjective

Definition of cut (Entry 3 of 3)

: marked by a well-developed and highly defined musculature cut abs

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about cut

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms for cut

Synonyms: Verb

Synonyms: Noun

cutting,
slice

Examples of cut in a Sentence

Verb cutting a piece of string He uses the ax to cut wood. The meat is so tender you can cut it with a fork. Cut along the dotted line. The saw easily cuts through metal. She cut into the melon with a knife. I cut myself while shaving. I had a cut finger. We were fighting, and he tried to cut me with his knife. Pieces of broken glass cut her face and arms. Noun Make a few small cuts in the crust to let the air escape. a two-inch cut in the cloth He came home covered in cuts and bruises. Further cuts in spending are needed. You'll have to make a few cuts in your manuscript if you want us to publish it.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Center Cut slices have been cut from the center area of the leg and usually sold in ½ – 1 inch slices. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, "How To Choose the Right Cut of Ham for Your Holiday Meal," 2 Apr. 2021 When a repeating pattern just won’t cut it, turn to Minted for a gorgeous accent wall mural. — Courtney Thompson, CNN Underscored, "How to use peel-and-stick wallpaper to completely transform your space," 1 Apr. 2021 Speaking truth to power simply doesn’t cut it, because the truth about our desires is . . . — Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, "The Politics of Bad Sex," 31 Mar. 2021 The team has repeat title hopes and that won’t cut it. — Sean Collins, Dallas News, "The Dallas Empire aren’t far off from their 2020 pace, but much has to improve for a repeat title run," 29 Mar. 2021 In effect, the promise of a six-figure salary alone doesn’t cut it anymore. — Claire Hastwell, Fortune, "Proud to work here: Meet the Best Workplaces shaking the stigma of finance," 25 Mar. 2021 Honda’s outboards are valued for their quality and reliability and the company didn’t cut corners on their smallest model. — Field & Stream, "Best Kayak Motor to Fit the Way You Fish," 19 Mar. 2021 As any mad truck enthusiast can tell you, four wheels doesn’t alway cut it. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, "This One-a-Kind Mercedes G-Wagen 6×6 Could Fetch More Than $1 Million at Auction," 18 Mar. 2021 YouTube knows that a mere TikTok clone likely won’t cut it. — Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, "What YouTube’s TikTok-Style ‘Shorts’ Mean for the Music Business," 18 Mar. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun This is a popular cut of ham consumed in the southern United States. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, "How To Choose the Right Cut of Ham for Your Holiday Meal," 2 Apr. 2021 But moving from 64 down to 24 is a huge cut, so be prepared for some of your favorites to be stopped short of making it to the audience vote next week. — Maggie Fremont, EW.com, "American Idol recap: Showstoppers battle for a spot in Top 24," 29 Mar. 2021 The Suez Canal is a great short cut for shipping—without it, cargo would have to be sailed all the way around the southern tip of Africa. — Rhett Allain, Wired, "How to Free the Ever Given—Using Buoyancy Force!," 26 Mar. 2021 The Sabres right now are barely a cut above an AHL team, and Ahcan made his NHL debut after only a dozen games with AHL Providence. — BostonGlobe.com, "Bruins will self-quarantine through Tuesday after David Pastrnak, four others enter COVID-19 protocols," 20 Mar. 2021 Despite Twitter’s fervent hopes earlier this week, no, there is no cut of Mrs. Doubtfire could qualify for a NC-17 rating. — Halle Kiefer, Vulture, "No, Sadly, There Isn’t a NC-17 Cut of Mrs. Doubtfire," 19 Mar. 2021 The fit is slim-straight cut to the ankle with a high rise, sitting at the natural waist. — Nicola Fumo, Forbes, "40 Of The Best Jeans For Women, In Every Size And Style," 10 Mar. 2021 Elevated basics is a phrase often designated to designer collections offered by mass retailers, but, according to many fashion insiders, Uniqlo U is a cut above most. — Barry Samaha, Harper's BAZAAR, "Uniqlo U Offers a Sleek Springtime Collection for the Entire Family," 10 Mar. 2021 How Carr is remembered with the Gophers isn't as clear cut. — Marcus Fuller, Star Tribune, "Air of barnyard finality forms for Gophers' Richard Pitino, Marcus Carr," 5 Mar. 2021

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about cut

Dictionary Entries near cut

Statistics for cut

Last Updated

6 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Cut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cut. Accessed 11 Apr. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for cut

cut

verb

English Language Learners Definition of cut

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to use a sharp tool (such as a knife) to open or divide (something, such as paper or wood)

: to make a hole or wound in (a person's skin)

: to make (a hole) in something by using a sharp tool

cut

noun

English Language Learners Definition of cut (Entry 2 of 2)

: an opening or hole made with a sharp tool (such as a knife)

: a wound on a person's body that is made by something sharp

: an act of making something smaller in amount

See the full definition for cut in the English Language Learners Dictionary

cut

verb

\ ˈkət

cut; cutting

Kids Definition of cut

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to penetrate or divide with or as if with an edged tool : cleave cut a finger

2 : to undergo shaping or penetrating with an edged tool Cheese cuts easily.

3 : to divide into two or more parts cut a deck of cards Would you cut the cake?

4 : to shorten or remove with scissors, a knife, or clippers

5 : to go by a short or direct path or course We cut across the lawn.

6 : to destroy the connection of Soldiers cut electricity to the enemy.

7 : to intentionally not attend He developed a habit of cutting class.

8 : to move quickly or suddenly The driver cut across two lanes of traffic.

9 : to make less cut costs

10 : to experience the growth of through the gum The baby is cutting teeth.

11 : to stop or cause to stop Cut the motor. Cut that whispering.

12 : to cause painful feelings That remark really cut.

13 : to shape by carving or grinding cut a gem

cut back

1 : to use less or do less of I cut back on watching TV.

2 : to reduce the size or amount of You'll have to cut back on your vacation plans.

cut down

1 : to knock down and wound or kill

2 : to reduce the size or amount of The new route cuts down on travel time.

3 to use less or do less of I'm cutting down on sweets.

cut in

: interrupt sense 1

cut into

: to reduce the amount of The increase in supply costs cut into their profit.

cut off

1 : isolate The flood cut us off from the rest of the city.

2 : discontinue His father threatened to cut off his allowance.

3 : to stop or interrupt while speaking She always cuts me off while I'm talking.

cut out

1 : to form by removing with scissors, a knife, or a saw

2 : to assign through necessity You've got your work cut out for you.

3 : to put an end to Cut out that nonsense!

cut

noun

Kids Definition of cut (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : something (as a gash or wound) produced by a sharp object

2 : reduction sense 1 He took a cut in pay.

3 : something resulting from shortening, division, or removal a cut of beef

4 : share entry 1 sense 1 They took their cut of the winnings.

5 : a sharp stroke or blow

6 : the way in which a thing is styled, formed, or made the cut of the pants

7 : something done or said that hurts someone's feelings

cut

verb

\ ˈkət

cut; cutting

Medical Definition of cut

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to penetrate with or as if with an edged instrument

b : to cut or operate on in surgery: as

(1) : to subject (a domestic animal) to castration

(2) : to perform lithotomy on

c : to experience the emergence of (a tooth) through the gum

2 : to subject to trimming or paring cut one's nails

intransitive verb

1 : to function as or in the manner of an edged tool a knife that cuts well

2 : to cut in surgery : operate

cut

noun

Medical Definition of cut (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a product of cutting: as

a : an opening made with an edged instrument

b : a wound made by something sharp

2 : a stroke or blow with the edge of a sharp implement (as a knife)

Keep scrolling for more

Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Spell words. Make bears.

TAKE THE QUIZ

cut

Definition of cut

Synonyms for cut

Examples of cut in a Sentence

First Known Use of cut

History and Etymology for cut

Learn More about cut

Dictionary Entries near cut

Statistics for cut

English Language Learners Definition of cut

Kids Definition of cut

Medical Definition of cut

WORD OF THE DAY

drub

Test Your Vocabulary

Time Traveler

Learn on the go with our Dictionary and Thesaurus

Set your young readers up for lifelong success

Listen to our new podcast!

'All Intensive Purposes' or 'All Intents and Purposes'?

cut

Definition of cut

Synonyms for cut

Examples of cut in a Sentence

First Known Use of cut

History and Etymology for cut

Learn More about cut

The first known use of cut was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries near cut

Phrases Related to cut

Statistics for cut

English Language Learners Definition of cut

Kids Definition of cut

Medical Definition of cut

WORD OF THE DAY

drub

Test Your Vocabulary

Time Traveler

Learn on the go with our Dictionary and Thesaurus

Set your young readers up for lifelong success

Listen to our new podcast!

'All Intensive Purposes' or 'All Intents and Purposes'?