cutback

1 of 2

noun

cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak How to pronounce cutback (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Advertisement There have been persistent disagreements about how triggers for water cutbacks should be determined and how those reductions should be apportioned. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024 Under this option, a large share of Lower Basin cutbacks would be based on the seven-reservoir storage capacity, recent hydrology and voluntary contributions from the two basins. Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
In an all-hands meeting this week, Ortberg gave his staff some brutal feedback, telling them to cut back on complaining and focus on beating competitor Airbus. Byeleanor Pringle, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2024 Meantime, the southwestern states have long since fully developed their shares and, as a result, have been forced to cut back to keep the river from running dry below Hoover Dam. Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cutback 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1871, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of cutback was in 1871

Dictionary Entries Near cutback

Cite this Entry

“Cutback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutback. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

cutback

1 of 2 noun
cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak How to pronounce cutback (audio)
: an act or instance of cutting something back

cut back

2 of 2 verb
ˈkət-ˈbak
1
2
: to reduce something in amount
cut back on smoking
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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