cut down

verb

cut down; cutting down; cuts down
Synonyms of cut downnext

transitive verb

1
a
: to strike down and kill or incapacitate
b
: knock down
2
a
: to remodel by removing extras or unwanted furnishings and fittings
b
: to remake in a smaller size

intransitive verb

: to reduce or curtail volume or activity
cut down on smoking
see also:
cut down to size

Examples of cut down in a Sentence

we need to cut down that dying tree
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.
In 2021, Rutinel founded Climate Refarm, which advocated for cutting down on the use of meat and has signed onto letters advocating for raising taxes on meat and dairy. — Nicholas Riccardi, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026 Using a sharp knife, make crosswise slashes every 2 in [5 cm] along the body, cutting down to the bone. — Emma Specter, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026 Zelenskyy isn’t the first to assert that the drone operation, which targeted data centers belonging to the Russian technology company Yandex, has cut down on spam and disinformation campaigns fomented by Russian bot farms. — Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 13 Oct. 2026 At least 400 trees were cut down over the weekend with plans for several hundred more. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cut down

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cut down was in the 14th century

Rhymes for cut down

See All Rhymes for cut down

Browse Nearby Words

cut costs
cut down
cut down to size
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cut down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cut%20down. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cut down

verb
1
: to knock down and kill or wound
2
: to make over in a smaller size
3
: to reduce something in amount
cut down on energy use

Medical Definition

cutdown

noun
cut·​down ˈkət-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce cutdown (audio)
: incision of a superficial blood vessel (as a vein) to facilitate insertion of a catheter (as for administration of fluids)
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