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

This beautiful park is almost entirely covered in trees, but there’s a clearing called Brockton Oval that could accommodate a rink and some bleachers, assuming (again) the NHL could navigate that Canadian red tape that stymied the Lake Louise idea. —Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024

Detailed 7-day Cincinnati weather forecast Tuesday: Mostly cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 35. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 3 Dec. 2024

The National Weather Service recommends clearing leaves from storm drains and gutters to avoid water ponding. —Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 17 Nov. 2024

One actually needs to go into the forest and find a clearing. —Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 19 Dec. 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