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
Among the decorations included a giant string of silver balloons spelling out the athlete's last name, celebratory confetti on the table and personalized party favor bags (one with a cutout of Wilson's head peaking out the top). Skyler Caruso, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025 Details for the look included a sinuous hourglass cutout on the chest and backless element. Julia Teti, WWD, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
The song remains a favorite among rock fans, consistently selling enough to maintain a presence on the chart – and to beat every other cut out there on occasion. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 The bill would also cut out the county commissioners court from the detachment process altogether, transferring its role of approving the school board’s decision to split to the Texas Board of Education. Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cutout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutout. Accessed 16 Mar. 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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