cutback

1 of 2

noun

cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak How to pronounce cutback (audio)
1
: something cut back
2
: reduction
a cutback in funding

cut back

2 of 2

verb

cut back; cutting back; cuts back

transitive verb

: to shorten by cutting : prune

intransitive verb

1
: to interrupt the sequence of a plot (as of a movie) by introducing events prior to those last presented
2
: cut down
cut back on sugar

Examples of cutback in a Sentence

Verb we need to cut back the bushes a bit so that the house number is visible from the street cut back the meeting so everyone could leave early for the long weekend
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
Other examples came six years ago, when O’Conner and St. Louise hospitals had to be sold, and this year, when Regional Medical Center initiated cutbacks in stroke care and other critical services. Cindy Chavez, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024 The eight members of the OPEC+ bloc — Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman — will continue the voluntary daily 2.2 million-barrel cut through December 2024, adding a month to the cutback period. Zack Budryk, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
O’Leary said the measure will be more pronounced as other countries cut back, meaning the difference will be closer to £10. Chris Morris, Fortune Europe, 5 Nov. 2024 The video cuts back and forth from the second couple — both of whom turned 60 last month — to a beaming Roberts and his wife Tricia. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cutback 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1871, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of cutback was in 1871

Dictionary Entries Near cutback

Cite this Entry

“Cutback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutback. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

cutback

1 of 2 noun
cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak How to pronounce cutback (audio)
: an act or instance of cutting something back

cut back

2 of 2 verb
ˈkət-ˈbak
1
2
: to reduce something in amount
cut back on smoking
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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