cutback

1 of 2

noun

cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak 

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

Synonyms

Verb

• shave
• cut
• clip
• trim
• lop (off)

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

Of course, weaker profits could cause some businesses to pass those costs along to consumers in the form of higher prices, or make cutbacks elsewhere such as by hiring less or laying off workers. —Matt Egan, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025

Rousseau had the edge contained, Jones peeked toward the outside shoulder of the guard that even forced Henry to look at an inside cutback, which Oliver took away. —Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025

Verb

To overwinter mums, they should be cut back to 3 inches tall and brought to a cool, dark place indoors. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025

Kozak cut back to after the shooting at Utah Valley University took place. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1871, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for cutback

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

Kids Definition

cutback

1 of 2 noun

cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak 

: an act or instance of cutting something back

cut back

2 of 2 verb

ˈkət-ˈbak

1

a

: prune entry 2 sense 2

b

: prune entry 2 sense 2a

2

: to reduce something in amount

cut back on smoking