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
But 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
2
: 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
deep-cut adjective
a deep-cut reference/joke

Examples of deep cut in a Sentence

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.
Or perhaps this is the perfect opportunity to become obdurate, go weird and dive into the B-sides and deep cuts. Daniel Dylan Wray, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 2025 Just expect hits from different eras and even some deep cuts, underrated songs. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2025 Paramount-Skydance wasn’t the only one making deep cuts. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025 Surface scratches are to be expected but avoid deep cuts and squash with any soft spots. Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 29 Oct. 2025 Photos published by the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza showing a handful of the remains released by Israel reflected his account, with at least one body also appearing to be covered in large track marks, while also exhibiting deep cuts. Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2025 Yet, the magic all began with Back for the First Time, a bonafide classic that would be incomplete without Bangladesh helping to build its sonic foundation, most notable singles, and deep cuts. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 22 Oct. 2025 During the struggle, Robinson allegedly swung a large knife at the victim, causing a deep cut in his palm. Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025 Federal layoffs On the heels of deep cuts to the federal workforce earlier this year, the White House laid off thousands more employees over the weekend. Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1993, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deep cut was in 1993

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Cite this Entry

“Deep cut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deep%20cut. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

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