cut - Definition & Meaning | Lingo Dictionary

cut

Third Person

cuts

Present Participle

cutting

Past Tense

cut

Past Participle

cut

to divide a thing into smaller pieces using a sharp object

transitive

I cut the paper with scissors to make a snowflake.
I need to cut the grass in the backyard with a lawnmower.
Sarah cuts fabric to make a dress.
She cuts the fruit into bite-sized pieces for a fruit salad.
They cut the cake into slices to share with everyone.

to decrease or reduce the amount or quantity of something

transitive

The company decided to cut costs by reducing employee benefits.
The government plans to cut funding for education programs next year.
The restaurant decided to cut portion sizes to reduce food waste.
In response to declining sales, the store decided to cut prices on all merchandise.
She cut her daily screen time to increase productivity and focus.

Synonyms:

trim down bring down reduce trim back cut back cut down trim

to accidentally wound and hurt yourself or others, especially with a sharp object, causing the skin to break and bleed

transitive

Be careful with that glass; it can cut your hand.
He accidentally cut himself while shaving this morning.
I accidentally cut my finger while I was chopping vegetables.
The boy cut his knee when he fell on the rocks.
She cut herself on the broken glass while cleaning.

to remove part of a digital text in order to put it elsewhere

transitive

She cut a paragraph from her essay and pasted it into the conclusion section.
The editor decided to cut several paragraphs from the article to make it more concise.
Before sending the email, she cut the irrelevant sections to focus on the main points.
Before publishing the book, the author cut a subplot from the manuscript to streamline the narrative.
The student cut unnecessary details from the report to keep it within the word limit.

to remove or shorten a part of a script, text, or media file

transitive

The composer had to cut several measures of music from the score to accommodate changes in the choreography.
During rehearsals, the playwright decided to cut several lines of dialogue to tighten the script.
She had to cut the image from the presentation because it was too large.
They cut the long introduction from the podcast to keep listeners engaged.
They had to cut the argument between two characters because it slowed down the plot.

Synonyms:

edit out edit

to use a sharp implement to remove excess material and achieve a desired length or shape

transitive

The gardener cut the grass in the backyard to keep it neat and tidy.
He used hedge clippers to cut the bushes along the fence line.
The barber cut the man's hair into a stylish and modern hairstyle.
They hired a landscaping company to cut the overgrown shrubs in their garden.
He used pruning shears to cut the dead branches from the trees in his orchard.

to turn off or deactivate an engine, light, or electrical device

transitive

After parking the car, she reached over and cut the engine to save fuel.
Don't forget to cut the lights before leaving the room to conserve electricity.
He cut the power to the entire house before starting repairs on the electrical system.
It's important to cut the engine of a boat when docking to prevent accidents.
When the performance ended, the stage manager signaled to cut the stage lights.

Synonyms:

switch off turn out turn off

Antonyms:

switch on

to create a path, tunnel, or other route by digging or chopping away material

transitive

The pioneers cut a trail through the dense forest to reach the other side.
The miners cut tunnels deep into the earth to extract valuable minerals.
The gardener cut a pathway through the overgrown bushes in the garden.
The settlers cut channels in the ice to create a path for their sleds during the winter.
The farmer cut a drainage ditch to redirect water away from the fields during heavy rains.

to chop or sever something, especially using a saw or other cutting tool

transitive

The forestry team is scheduled to cut timber in the designated logging area.
He's planning to cut some boards to build a new bookshelf.
He spent the afternoon cutting firewood for the winter months.
The carpenter measured twice before cutting the wooden plank to the desired length.

to record or sing a song, track, etc. in order to make a studio recording

transitive

The band spent weeks in the studio cutting their latest album.
She was thrilled to be invited to cut a demo for a renowned record label.
The singer-songwriter decided to cut a few new tracks for her upcoming EP.
They rented out a professional studio to cut their debut single.
The producer worked closely with the artist to cut the vocals for the new release.

to stop filming or recording

As the director wasn't satisfied with the performance, they decided to cut and redo the scene from the beginning.
It's essential to cut at the right moment to maintain the flow of the scene.
The director signaled for the cameraman to cut when the actor went off-script.
The tape ran out, causing the recording to cut suddenly, leaving a gap in the audio.

to edit a film and prepare it by removing or reordering parts of it

transitive

It took weeks for the post-production team to cut the raw footage into a polished final film.
After months of filming, the director and editor collaborated to cut the footage into a cohesive narrative.
The editor used digital software to cut the film, making precise adjustments frame by frame.
The director's vision was to cut the film in a nonlinear style to enhance its impact.
The director's vision began to take shape as the editor started to cut the film according to the storyboard.

(of lines) to cross one another

transitive

The line cuts the circle at two points.
In geometry, the perpendicular line cuts the horizontal line at a right angle.
The boundary line cuts the property line, marking the division between two parcels of land.
The graph line cuts the axis, indicating the value of a variable at a specific point.
The path of the comet cuts the trajectory of the asteroid, resulting in a close encounter.

(of cricket ball) to turn and move off the pitch after bouncing

The ball cut off the pitch, surprising the batsman with its movement.
With sharp seam movement, the fast bowler's delivery cut sharply off the pitch.
The slow left-arm orthodox bowler's delivery cut away from the left-handed batsman.
The off-spinner's delivery cut sharply after bouncing, spinning past the outside edge.

Synonyms:

swerve curve slue trend sheer veer slew

to issue or generate a formal document, publication, or announcement for distribution

transitive

The marketing team worked diligently to cut a compelling advertisement for the upcoming product launch.
The magazine editor cut an informative feature article on sustainable living practices.
The government agency cut a public statement addressing the recent policy changes.
The printing press cut an entire series of educational brochures for distribution in schools.

Synonyms:

write out make out issue

to play a shot with the bat angled downward and across the body, aimed at hitting the ball square on the off side of the pitch

transitive

The bowler bowled a wide delivery, and the batsman reached out to cut it, but missed.
He used quick footwork to get into position and cut the ball past the fielder at backward point.
She waited for the ball to come onto the bat and then elegantly cut it past the diving fielder at gully.
The batsman attempted to cut the ball, but it took the outside edge and flew to the wicketkeeper.
The batsman expertly cut the short-pitched delivery through the gap between point and cover for a boundary.

to shape or form fabric into a garment according to a pattern or design

transitive

The designer cut the fabric on the bias to give the skirt more drape and movement.
She decided to cut the sleeves of the sweater shorter to make it more suitable for spring weather.
The fashion designer decided to cut the dress with a flared skirt for a more elegant look.
He prefers to cut his pants with a straight leg for a classic silhouette.
The designer cut the neckline of the blouse lower to create a more modern look.

Synonyms:

tailor

to remove or dismiss someone from a group, institution, or employment

transitive

The company had to cut several employees due to budget constraints.
She was cut from the team because of her poor performance.
He was cut from the film production after disagreements with the director.
Due to budget constraints, the organization decided to cut staff from various departments.
The university had to cut several faculty members due to declining enrollment.

to surgically remove the testicles of an animal

transitive

The rancher hired a veterinarian to cut the young bulls to control breeding on the farm.
The farmer decided to cut the male goat to prevent unwanted pregnancies in the herd.
The horse breeder arranged for the stallion to be cut to improve its temperament.
The veterinarian recommended cutting the dog to reduce the risk of certain health problems.
In some cultures, it's customary to cut male sheep as part of traditional husbandry practices.

Synonyms:

geld

(of teeth) to develop or emerge through the gumline

As a toddler, she experienced teething as her molars started to cut.
The orthodontist monitored the progress as the teenager's permanent canine teeth cut through the gums.
The dentist confirmed that the adult tooth was ready to cut when the child complained of a loose baby tooth.
The dentist explained that proper oral hygiene is crucial when new teeth are cutting.

to cease or interrupt the provision of a resource, service, or supply

transitive

The construction project was delayed after the contractor cut the supply of building materials.
The utility company announced plans to cut power to several neighborhoods to conduct emergency maintenance.
In response to the drought, the city implemented water restrictions and cut irrigation to public parks and gardens.
The school board voted to cut the school lunch program due to budgetary constraints.

Synonyms:

cut off

to dissolve or break down the fat content of a substance

transitive

When making gravy, you can cut the richness of the sauce by adding a splash of vinegar.
A bit of citrus can help cut the oiliness of a salad dressing.
Some people use yogurt to cut the fat in creamy sauces, giving them a lighter texture.
In baking, buttermilk is often used to cut the butter in recipes.
The chef used vinegar to cut the mayonnaise in the salad.

to intentionally ignore or disregard someone's presence

transitive

After their argument, she decided to cut him and refused to speak to him for weeks.
Despite his attempts to reconcile, she continued to cut him in public, pretending not to notice him.
He felt hurt when his friends began to cut him at social gatherings, leaving him feeling isolated and excluded.
She was hurt when her former best friend started to cut her around campus, pretending not to see her.
Despite their history, he chose to cut her at the party, preferring to avoid any potential conflict.

Synonyms:

snub disregard ignore

to divide the deck of cards into two parts and rearrange them before the start of the game

transitive

Before dealing, the player to the right of the dealer cut the deck to ensure fairness.
Each player had the opportunity to cut the deck before the cards were dealt.
The tournament rules required the deck to be cut by the player to the left of the dealer.
The dealer instructed the player to cut the deck once more after shuffling was complete.

to allow incision or division

The soft bread cuts effortlessly with a serrated knife.
This type of fabric doesn't cut cleanly; it frays easily.
The chef's precise knife skills ensure that vegetables cut cleanly and evenly.
The paper cuts easily with scissors.

to have the ability to slice or divide

The new chef's knife cuts like a dream, making food preparation a breeze.
Be careful with that knife; it cuts very easily.
The scissors are dull and don't cut well anymore.
The broken glass can still cut, so watch your step.

to pierce or wound something

transitive

As the car crashed into the tree, the metal cut into the bark, leaving deep scars.
The jagged rocks on the cliffside cut into the hull of the ship as it crashed against them.
The sharp edges of the broken pottery cut into his palm as he tried to pick it up.
The thorns on the rose bush cut into her skin as she reached for a flower.
The sharp blade of the knife cut into the ripe tomato, slicing it neatly in half.

to harvest or collect crops

transitive

The farmers went out to cut the wheat before the rain arrived.
Every autumn, the family gathers to cut pumpkins from the patch for Halloween.
They hired workers to cut the sugarcane stalks for processing.
In autumn, it's tradition to cut the cornstalks for decoration.
It's important to cut the grapes at just the right moment for the best wine production.

to form or shape something using a sharp tool or object

transitive

The skilled sculptor cut a beautiful statue out of a block of marble.
She carefully cut paper snowflakes using a pair of scissors.
The skilled carpenter cut a flawless dovetail joint to join the wooden pieces together.

to transition from one shot or scene to another in a film or video production

After the intense close-up of the actor's face, the director decided to cut to a wide shot of the bustling city street.
As the dialogue scene progressed, the director instructed the cameraman to cut to a reaction shot of the other character.
The director chose to cut to a flashback sequence to provide context for the character's motivations.
As the tension reached its peak, the editor cut to a series of quick shots to heighten the suspense.

to move quickly through a particular path or direction

The cyclist cut through the traffic, maneuvering swiftly between cars to reach the finish line.
The agile cat cut across the yard, leaping effortlessly over obstacles in pursuit of its prey.
The speedboat cut through the waves, creating a trail of foam as it raced across the open water.
The runner cut around the track, picking up speed with each stride towards the finish line.
The bird cut through the sky, soaring gracefully above the treetops.

to convey or project a particular impression

transitive

Despite her fatigue, she managed to cut a confident figure during the presentation.
The actor's performance cut a convincing portrayal of a troubled protagonist.
Even in the chaos of the situation, she cut a calm and composed figure.
The artist's use of color and texture cut an abstract depiction of emotion and turmoil.

to be able to handle a task, situation, or responsibility effectively

transitive

He proved that he could cut the pressure of public speaking by delivering a confident and engaging presentation.
He's a seasoned negotiator; he can cut deals like nobody else.
She can cut the workload without sacrificing quality.

Synonyms:

hack

to deliberately absent oneself from a duty, obligation, or event

transitive

Despite having an important exam, he decided to cut class and go to the beach with his friends.
She often cuts school to hang out with her friends, much to the dismay of her teachers and parents.
He got into trouble with his parents after they found out he had been cutting basketball practice to play video games.
Instead of attending the mandatory meeting, he chose to cut work and spend the day at home.
She regretted cutting work when she realized she missed an important presentation by the company's CEO.

Synonyms:

skip