cut down

verb

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

transitive verb

1
a
: to strike down and kill or incapacitate
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:

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.
Trump was probably right that cutting down the trees made the atrium look better, Res recalled. Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 Last year’s deficit required state worker unions to hammer out new deals with the governor to cut down on California’s payroll costs, which ultimately resulted in deals that do not include general salary increases this summer. William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026 And this cuts down on design time, and reduces surprises during the construction process – which will ultimately result in better outcomes for the homeowner. Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The number of weekly episodes was cut down from six to three, and the power to evict was placed in the hands of the houseguests, as opposed to a public vote. Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 1 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cut down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cut%20down. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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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