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
Noun
Paramount Global has initiated the next phase of its plan to lay off 15% of its U.S. workforce, saying the cuts will be 90% complete after further cutbacks today. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2024 Beyond compliance, the tool can also model where product emissions originate so firms can identify hotspots and see where cutbacks are possible on a more granular level. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 12 Sep. 2024
Verb
State of play: Lyft is cutting back its product ventures, per a release shared earlier this month. Mimi Montgomery, Axios, 27 Sep. 2024 If refineries cut back operations or close, or if their supply chains are disrupted, demand might exceed supply and drive up overall prices. Russ Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cutback 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cutback.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 4 Oct. 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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