cutback

1 of 2

noun

cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak How to pronounce cutback (audio)
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

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
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.
Noun
The Bipartisan Infrastructure law: This money is slated for pretty much every kind of infrastructure across the country, much of which has been left to rot by cutbacks in federal, state, and local spending since the early years of the Reagan administration. Peter Green, Quartz, 14 Dec. 2024 The cutbacks, which came three weeks after the auction house’s major November sales, were part of an effort to improve the company’s financial picture amid shrinking auction revenue. Julia Halperin, New York Times, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
Apple reportedly cut back on manufacturing it in October. Wes Davis, The Verge, 6 Jan. 2025 Homeowners reasonably expect that they will be fully covered for all major losses, but insurers have cut back coverage to account for rising costs due to inflation and climate change. Jay Feinman, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for cutback 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1871, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of cutback was in 1871

Dictionary Entries Near cutback

Cite this Entry

“Cutback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutback. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

cutback

1 of 2 noun
cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak How to pronounce cutback (audio)
: an act or instance of cutting something back

cut back

2 of 2 verb
ˈkət-ˈbak
1
2
: to reduce something in amount
cut back on smoking
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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