cutout

1 of 3

noun

cut·​out ˈkət-ˌau̇t How to pronounce cutout (audio)
1
: something cut out or off from something else
also : the space or hole left after cutting
2
: one that cuts out
3
: an intermediary in a clandestine operation
4
: a record album no longer in production that is sold at a discount
cutout adjective

cut out

2 of 3

verb

cut out; cutting out; cuts out

transitive verb

1
: to form by erosion
2
: to determine or assign through necessity
you've got your work cut out for you
3
: to take the place of : supplant
4
: to put an end to : desist from
cut out wasteful spending
5
: deprive, defraud
cut him out of his share
6
a
: to remove from a series or circuit : disconnect
cut out a car from a train
b
: to make inoperative

intransitive verb

1
: to depart in haste
2
: to cease operating
3
: to swerve out of a traffic line

cut out

3 of 3

adjective

: naturally fitted or suited
not cut out to be a vet

Examples of cutout in a Sentence

Noun a cardboard cutout of a famous actor Verb the engine abruptly cut out now cut that out, or I'm turning this car around!
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
Following in the footsteps of a velvet cutout dress and a fuzzy coat embellished with ostrich feathers, these custom pieces were inspired by Venice and its artisanal flair, said de la Hogue Moran. Sandra Salibian, WWD, 24 Jan. 2025 So did teammate Anthony Davis, who made free throws despite giant cardboard cutouts of fans shaving his signature unibrow. Jovan Buha, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
The Godfather of Harlem has his work cut out for him with a new rival in the first teaser trailer for Season 4 of the MGM+ series (premiering Sunday, April 13, with weekly episodes). Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 23 Jan. 2025 Amid unprecedented creative upheaval at European fashion houses, the consultant would appear to have her work cut out for her. Joelle Diderich, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for cutout 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cutout was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near cutout

Cite this Entry

“Cutout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutout. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

cutout

1 of 3 noun
cut·​out ˈkət-ˌau̇t How to pronounce cutout (audio)
: something cut out or off from something else
cutout adjective

cut out

2 of 3 verb
1
: to assign through necessity
you've got your work cut out for you
2
: to put an end to
now cut that out
3
: to come to a stop
the engines cut out

cut out

3 of 3 adjective
: naturally suited
not cut out for teaching
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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