clearing

noun

clear·​ing ˈklir-iŋ 

1

: the act or process of making or becoming clear

2

: a tract of land cleared of wood and brush

3

: the settlement of accounts or exchange of financial instruments especially between banks

Synonyms

• acquittal
• exculpation
• exoneration
• vindication

Examples of clearing in a Sentence

the clearing of the table

the clearing of wood and brush from part of the forest

We found a clearing in the forest.

Recent Examples on the Web

Advertisement Some critics linked Southers’ academic research on homegrown extremism to the aggressive clearing of the campus encampments. —Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2024

In the short clip, Mercury heads through a clearing of bushes before running toward an open area after spotting the woman. —Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 8 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clearing

• clearing bank

Kids Definition

clearing

noun

clear·​ing ˈkli(ə)r-iŋ 

1

: the act or process of making or becoming clear

2

: an area of land cleared of wood and brush