cutting

noun

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cut·ting | \ ˈkə-tiŋ

plural cuttings

Definition of cutting

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : something cut or cut off or out: such as

a : a plant section originating from stem, leaf, or root and capable of developing into a new plant

b : harvest

2 : something made by cutting especially : record sense 4

3 : self-harm in which a person purposely cuts or scratches the skin She [a young woman identified as "Kristen"] took occasional advantage of college-offered therapy in her sophomore year but also continued to cut herself. "For me—and for all the other cutters I know—cutting isn't about self-esteem, it's about control," Kristin explained. "… Cutting can be—and was for me—a cry for help: 'Look at me—I hurt so much I'm bleeding—help me stop this pain!'— Barrett Seaman

cutting

adjective

Definition of cutting (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : given to or designed for cutting especially : sharp, edged

2 : marked by sharp piercing cold cutting winds

3 : inclined or likely to wound the feelings of others especially because of a ruthless incisiveness a cutting remark

4 : intense, piercing a cutting pain

Other Words from cutting Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing cutting Learn More About cutting

Synonyms for cutting

Synonyms: Noun

cut,
slice

Synonyms: Adjective

Examples of cutting in a Sentence

Noun Take some cuttings from the plant and put them in water. a bag full of grass cuttings Adjective He made a cutting remark about my family, and I haven't spoken to him since. a frigid day with a cutting wind that made it seem even colder

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Subsequent benchmarks were accompanied by technological breakthroughs, exemplifying the venue’s commitment to the most cutting-edge presentation possible. — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 18 May 2022 Deliberately, director Gareth Edwards' effort is rough around the edges, hectic in its cross-cutting but increasingly effective as kinetic cinema. — Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2022 Jackson's boosters say the endorsement by former clerks of conservative justices corroborates a cross-cutting appeal. — Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 3 Mar. 2022 That is why Alaskans push tirelessly to ensure that energy companies drilling for oil do so with the most cutting-edge carbon-reducing technology. — Harry Brower Jr. And Josiah Patkotak, WSJ, 4 Mar. 2022 Intel will make some of its most cutting-edge processors at the new site, Mr. Gelsinger said in an interview. — Meghan Bobrowsky, WSJ, 21 Jan. 2022 In 2020, the California company delayed the launch of its most cutting-edge chipset by two years, losing ground to competition. — Eamon Barrett, Fortune, 20 Jan. 2022 In the reception room known as the Grand Salon, objects by some of the world’s most cutting-edge designers are juxtaposed with moldings, paneled walls and other elaborate woodwork. — Ted Loos, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2021 Micelio will feature a cross-cutting marketing department established to generate a bespoke brand positioning system, and a business affairs team composed of industry vets to optimize production profitability. — Jamie Lang, Variety, 30 Sep. 2021 See More

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