cutter

noun

cut·​ter ˈkə-tər 

plural cutters

1

: one that cuts:

a

: one whose work is cutting or involves cutting

wood/glass cutters

b(1)

: an instrument, machine, machine part, or tool that cuts

(2)

: a device for vibrating a cutting stylus in disc recording

also : the stylus or its point

2

a

: a ship's boat for carrying stores or passengers

b

: a single-masted fore-and-aft rigged sailing vessel

c

: a small armed vessel in government service

3

baseball : cut fastball

His previous three home runs had come on a fastball, a cutter and a slider.

—Billy Witz

4

: a light sleigh

5

: a person who cuts himself or herself purposely (see cut entry 1 sense 1f) : a person who engages in cutting

The cast includes Jill, a middle-class runaway in love with the romance of risk; Maura, a "cutter" who engages in self-mutilation to thwart her over-controlling father …

—Cecelia Goodnow

Synonyms

• blade
• knife
• shank [slang]
• shiv [slang]

Examples of cutter in a Sentence

a fabric cutter

Recent Examples on the Web

But much of Sasaki’s early success could depend on the effectiveness of his third pitch, an improving slider that has taken several forms for Sasaki over the years — from a slower bender with big spin and break, to a slightly firmer version that acts more like a cutter. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025

More news: Dodgers Pitcher Reveals Details of His Recruiting Call With Roki Sasaki Kopech's fastball touched 102 mph last season, a weapon few pitchers are able to pair with his command, along with a plus slider and cutter. —Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025

Art Graffiti, Through Grief and Discovery Clement Gelly There was the glimmer of possibility in stories of bolt cutters and train yards and spray cans—possibilities of disruption and liberation. —Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 10 Jan. 2025

Thompson also is an intuitive cutter and works the dunker spot well for lobs. —Hunter Patterson, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cutter

• box cutter
• cookie cutter
• cord cutter
• leaf-cutter
• milling cutter
• paper cutter
• price-cutter
• revenue cutter

Kids Definition

cutter

noun

cut·​ter ˈkət-ər 

1

: one that cuts

a diamond cutter

a cookie cutter

2

a

: a ship's boat for carrying supplies or passengers

b

: a small sailing boat with one mast

c

: a small armed boat in government service

3

: a small sleigh