deep cut
noun
plural deep cuts
1
music
: a song that is considerably less popular and well-known than other songs on the same album or by the same artist
From there, the band careened through highlights and the occasional deep cut from its catalog …—
Mikael Wood
Mikael WoodBut the rocker saw an opportunity to turn casual fans on to his deep cuts—so each disc intersperses hits with lesser-known album tracks in non-chronological order.—David Browne
David Browne2
: something (such as an obscure reference to a book or movie) that is recognizable to devotees but not usually to others
One of the fun things about being a Marvel fan is the franchise's ability to constantly surprise its audience with comic book deep cuts, surprising castings, and twists that no one sees coming.—Alexis Nedd
Alexis Nedd
deep-cut
adjective
a deep-cut reference/joke
Examples of deep cut in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Gibbs-White has a deep cut (just above the bridge of his nose).
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 4 May 2026
In between, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act which, among other things, made deep cuts to nutrition assistance programs that helped support American farming.
—The Virginian Pilot and Daily Press Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2026
The venue caters to fans of deep cuts, funk and soul, offering a space where music is as central as the drinks.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2026
Morema’s parents were found tied up at their home in Kenya in March 2023, and had sustained deep cuts.
—Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
That message aligns with Cruz’s view that NASA funding remains broadly bipartisan, even as the White House proposes deep cuts.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026
While some in the chamber's controlling party push for greater regulations, others have proposed deep cuts to the state department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy budget, which agency officials say will hinder their ability to monitor problem dams.
—CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
But the budget request also recommends deep cuts to NASA’s science budget and the elimination of other programs, including STEM education — to the tune of nearly 50%.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
Sleek, easy to clean, and resistant to deep cuts over time, these metal boards are lauded for their durability compared to plastic.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 2026
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.
Paul Taylor, New York Times, 4 May 2026
In between, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act which, among other things, made deep cuts to nutrition assistance programs that helped support American farming.
—The Virginian Pilot and Daily Press Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2026
The venue caters to fans of deep cuts, funk and soul, offering a space where music is as central as the drinks.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2026
Morema’s parents were found tied up at their home in Kenya in March 2023, and had sustained deep cuts.
—Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
That message aligns with Cruz’s view that NASA funding remains broadly bipartisan, even as the White House proposes deep cuts.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026
While some in the chamber's controlling party push for greater regulations, others have proposed deep cuts to the state department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy budget, which agency officials say will hinder their ability to monitor problem dams.
—CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
But the budget request also recommends deep cuts to NASA’s science budget and the elimination of other programs, including STEM education — to the tune of nearly 50%.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
Sleek, easy to clean, and resistant to deep cuts over time, these metal boards are lauded for their durability compared to plastic.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deep cut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deep%20cut. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
