cutback

1 of 2

noun

cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak 

1

: something cut back

2

: reduction

a cutback in funding

cut back

2 of 2

verb

cut back; cutting back; cuts back

transitive verb

: to shorten by cutting : prune

intransitive verb

1

: to interrupt the sequence of a plot (as of a movie) by introducing events prior to those last presented

2

: cut down

cut back on sugar

Synonyms

Verb

• bob
• clip
• crop
• cut
• dock
• lop (off)
• nip
• pare
• poll
• prune
• shave
• shear
• snip
• trim

Examples of cutback in a Sentence

Verb

we need to cut back the bushes a bit so that the house number is visible from the street

cut back the meeting so everyone could leave early for the long weekend

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

And a great practice to have in your quiver is the midseason cutback. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 12 Apr. 2024

Swed reports that the symphony has an enviable endowment ($315 million) and audiences had picked up after the pandemic, but cutbacks still loomed. —Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1871, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

cutback

1 of 2 noun

cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak 

: an act or instance of cutting something back

cut back

2 of 2 verb

ˈkət-ˈbak

1

a

: prune entry 2 sense 2

b

: prune entry 2 sense 2a

2

: to reduce something in amount

cut back on smoking