clearing

noun

clear·​ing ˈklir-iŋ How to pronounce clearing (audio)
1
: the act or process of making or becoming clear
2
: a tract of land cleared of wood and brush
3
: the settlement of accounts or exchange of financial instruments especially between banks

Examples of clearing in a Sentence

the clearing of the table the clearing of wood and brush from part of the forest We found a clearing in the forest.
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.
His backhand clearing attempt was knocked down easily on the way to Buchnevich’s first goal, while a poor neutral zone sort out contributed to Fowler’s 3-0 goal later in the frame. Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025 The Knights center used his stick to thwart a clearing attempt by Wild defenseman Brock Faber at the side of the net, then grabbed the loose puck and fired it into a tiny gap over Gustavsson’s right shoulder to give the home team the early lead. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 21 Apr. 2025 And the fledgling new state needs help clearing mines, unearthing mass graves and collecting evidence for war crimes investigations. Lauren Frayer, NPR, 15 Apr. 2025 Alex Bump was stopped on a 3-on-3 break, but BU’s clearing attempt was intercepted by Crusberg-Roseen, who snapped a shot in through a crowd from the right circle. John Wawrow, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clearing

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Clearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clearing. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

clearing

noun
clear·​ing ˈkli(ə)r-iŋ How to pronounce clearing (audio)
1
: the act or process of making or becoming clear
2
: an area of land cleared of wood and brush

More from Merriam-Webster on clearing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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