cutout

1 of 3

noun

cut·​out ˈkət-ˌau̇t 

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

Synonyms

Verb

• break
• break down
• conk (out)
• crash
• die
• fail
• give out
• stall

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

Noun

The brand’s $695 black jeans with crystal cutouts sold out after Swift wore the jeans the Super Bowl earlier this year. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Jan. 2025

Aside from standard features like a detachable helmet-compatible hood, a detachable powder skirt, pockets galore, and water-resistant zippers, this jacket has longer sleeves with thumb cutouts to serve as an extra base layer and increased down/puffiness placed around the collar. —Grace Smith, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025

Verb

At the very least, Sheridan should cut out the distracting propaganda next season. —Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025

Not long after, the electricity in the restaurant cut out. —Emily Witt, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2025

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

Kids Definition

cutout

1 of 3 noun

cut·​out ˈkət-ˌau̇t 

: 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