cut down

verb

cut down; cutting down; cuts down

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

Phrases

cut down to size

: to reduce from an inflated or exaggerated importance to true or suitable stature

Examples of cut down in a Sentence

we need to cut down that dying tree

Recent Examples on the Web

The slightly newer legends of Persia—the region now known as Iran—employ dragons in a more familiar way: as earthly monsters cut down by humans, often in service of helpless girls. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2024

Such intervals would also cut down on pollution, gas consumption, wear and tear on brakes, road rage and travel time getting home, providing more time for yourself and family. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 3 July 2024

Paying attention to these triggers and avoiding them, if possible, can go a long way toward cutting down on sudden bathroom trips. —Anne Harding, Health, 29 June 2024

Some partition walls also incorporate glass to maintain sight lines and allow sunlight to continue through your home while still cutting down on noise and giving a sense of separation. —Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

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 

: incision of a superficial blood vessel (as a vein) to facilitate insertion of a catheter (as for administration of fluids)