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; cutting out; cuts out
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
6
a
: to remove from a series or circuit : disconnect
cut out a car from a train
b
: to make inoperative
: naturally fitted or suited
not cut out to be a vet
Synonyms
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
Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024
Halle is often spotted in vibrant colors and pastels while Chloe leans into monochromatic outfits with cutout details.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 10 Apr. 2024
During the writing, Greenhalgh immersed himself in Winehouse’s world, placing a life-size cutout of her next to his desk and purchasing some of the Amy Winehouse temporary tattoos fans have popularized.
—Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024
In New London, guests dined in front of life-sized cardboard cutouts of Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan and Trump.
—Lawrence Andrea, Journal Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2024
The famous karst formations of the region rise up from the flat rice fields with the abruptness of paper cutouts in a pop-up book.
—Chris Wallace, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2024
Gas pumps have selfie points where customers can take a photo with cardboard cutouts of the prime minister alongside a larger-than-life red cylinder.
—Sushmita Pathak, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Mar. 2024
Standout looks have included a 1995 Mugler robot suit with daring cutouts and matching jumpsuits with costar Timothée Chalamet.
—Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 11 Apr. 2024
The outer layer of the Simple Life star's all-black Mugler ensemble was mostly cutouts, giving it a structured, cagelike look.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2024
Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2024
And by cutting out the middlemen, fishers get more money — an average of about 20 percent more — for their catch, which supports their community.
—Melissa Clark, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2024
Think of these earth signs as that one friend who knows all the best spots to party, but can also cut out some R&R time and plan a fabulous girls' day at a posh spa.
—Stephanie Sengwe, Peoplemag, 22 Apr. 2024
Even with some encouraging signs, the A’s have their work cut out for them.
—Laurence Miedema, The Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2024
Another two were in metal trim around a wall cut out for air flow behind a flip top cooler.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2024
Evidence in the Tacoma A blood-like stain on the fabric of the passenger seat of the Tacoma was cut out and tested.
—Emily Wichick Hourihane, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2024
With new leadership on its way, Boeing’s future top brass have their work cut out for them.
—David Goldman, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024
Back in New York, organizers pushing for the internal election have their work cut out for them.
—Haleluya Hadero, Quartz, 8 Apr. 2024
Noun
The Duchess of Sussex, 42, attended the event in a white halter dress with a midriff cutout and statement sunglasses, continuing her sideline support of her sporty husband.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024
Halle is often spotted in vibrant colors and pastels while Chloe leans into monochromatic outfits with cutout details.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 10 Apr. 2024
During the writing, Greenhalgh immersed himself in Winehouse’s world, placing a life-size cutout of her next to his desk and purchasing some of the Amy Winehouse temporary tattoos fans have popularized.
—Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024
In New London, guests dined in front of life-sized cardboard cutouts of Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan and Trump.
—Lawrence Andrea, Journal Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2024
The famous karst formations of the region rise up from the flat rice fields with the abruptness of paper cutouts in a pop-up book.
—Chris Wallace, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2024
Gas pumps have selfie points where customers can take a photo with cardboard cutouts of the prime minister alongside a larger-than-life red cylinder.
—Sushmita Pathak, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Mar. 2024
Standout looks have included a 1995 Mugler robot suit with daring cutouts and matching jumpsuits with costar Timothée Chalamet.
—Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 11 Apr. 2024
The outer layer of the Simple Life star's all-black Mugler ensemble was mostly cutouts, giving it a structured, cagelike look.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2024
Verb
So each kid basically just drew or cut out stuff and taped it on the tree.
—Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2024
And by cutting out the middlemen, fishers get more money — an average of about 20 percent more — for their catch, which supports their community.
—Melissa Clark, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2024
Think of these earth signs as that one friend who knows all the best spots to party, but can also cut out some R&R time and plan a fabulous girls' day at a posh spa.
—Stephanie Sengwe, Peoplemag, 22 Apr. 2024
Even with some encouraging signs, the A’s have their work cut out for them.
—Laurence Miedema, The Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2024
Another two were in metal trim around a wall cut out for air flow behind a flip top cooler.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2024
Evidence in the Tacoma A blood-like stain on the fabric of the passenger seat of the Tacoma was cut out and tested.
—Emily Wichick Hourihane, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2024
With new leadership on its way, Boeing’s future top brass have their work cut out for them.
—David Goldman, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024
Back in New York, organizers pushing for the internal election have their work cut out for them.
—Haleluya Hadero, Quartz, 8 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cutout.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near cutout
Cite this Entry
“Cutout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutout. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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 verb1
: 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
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