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
The latest cutbacks include considerable de-layering and an emphasis on reducing the number of managers. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 2 July 2025 However, amid the administration’s chaotic cutbacks in the federal government, spearheaded by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, markets slid. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025
Verb
But why veer toward meat sandwiches when many health-conscious people are cutting back. Gary Stern, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 And although his wife also works, her job has cut back her working hours at times, which has also affected the couple’s ability to pay bills to keep their family of 10 afloat. Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Cutback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutback. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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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