cut down

verb

cut down; cutting down; cuts down
Synonyms of cut downnext

transitive verb

1
a
: to strike down and kill or incapacitate
b
: knock down
2
a
: to remodel by removing extras or unwanted furnishings and fittings
b
: to remake in a smaller size

intransitive verb

: to reduce or curtail volume or activity
cut down on smoking
see also:
cut down to size

Examples of cut down in a Sentence

we need to cut down that dying tree
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.
Distance from the house cuts down on odor and noise complaints. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2026 On Monday, organizers said the route would be cut down to about 1 mile. — Alexandra Simon, CBS News, 29 June 2026 Trump was probably right that cutting down the trees made the atrium look better, Res recalled. — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 The number of weekly episodes was cut down from six to three, and the power to evict was placed in the hands of the houseguests, as opposed to a public vote. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cut down

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cut down was in the 14th century

Rhymes for cut down

See All Rhymes for cut down

Browse Nearby Words

cut costs
cut down
cut down to size
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cut down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cut%20down. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cut down

verb
1
: to knock down and kill or wound
2
: to make over in a smaller size
3
: to reduce something in amount
cut down on energy use

Medical Definition

cutdown

noun
cut·​down ˈkət-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce cutdown (audio)
: incision of a superficial blood vessel (as a vein) to facilitate insertion of a catheter (as for administration of fluids)

More from Merriam-Webster on cut down

Nglish: Translation of cut down for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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