chopping block

noun

1
: a wooden block on which material (such as meat, wood, or vegetables) is cut, split, or diced
2
: a situation in which someone or something is threatened with elimination
government programs on the chopping block

Examples of chopping block 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.
Eventually, Adriane reaches the chopping block, and despite making a last-minute plea involving her young son, her captives still declined to make the impossible choice. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Feb. 2023 Creator Steve Levitan’s comedy series for Hulu, Reboot, has unfortunately hit the chopping block. Vulture, 1 Feb. 2023 Managers use a fair-pay formula: These raw-meat skewers are served on swords, on top of a chopping block. Lynn Hsu, The New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2023 This meant that any moment that drew its power from interactivity went on the chopping block—even parts of the game’s memorable opening scene. Will Bedingfield, WIRED, 12 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for chopping block

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chopping block was in 1600

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Cite this Entry

“Chopping block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chopping%20block. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.

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