deep cut

noun

plural deep cuts
1
music : a song that is considerably less popular and well-known than other songs on the same album or by the same artist
From there, the band careened through highlights and the occasional deep cut from its catalog …Mikael Wood
But the rocker saw an opportunity to turn casual fans on to his deep cuts—so each disc intersperses hits with lesser-known album tracks in non-chronological order.David Browne
2
: something (such as an obscure reference to a book or movie) that is recognizable to devotees but not usually to others
One of the fun things about being a Marvel fan is the franchise's ability to constantly surprise its audience with comic book deep cuts, surprising castings, and twists that no one sees coming.Alexis Nedd
deep-cut adjective
a deep-cut reference/joke

Examples of deep cut in a Sentence

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.
The Washington Post moved Wednesday at the behest of owner Jeff Bezos to make deep cuts to every department in the newsroom. David Folkenflik, NPR, 4 Feb. 2026 As the state stares down a budget shortfall, some people don’t want any reductions, while others see an opportunity to make deep cuts to spending, Grow said in an interview with reporters on Thursday. Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026 Some cities have made investments or look to those areas as their future water supply if there are deep cuts to Colorado River water, said Sarah Porter, director of ASU's Kyl Center for Water Policy, in a Q&A for the university. Clara Migoya, AZCentral.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Ayala, the cable commission’s executive director, predicted a steep drop in revenues and proposed deep cuts for organizations such as Access Sacramento and the Sacramento Education Cable Consortium. Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 27 Jan. 2026 Maybe the country pivot wasn’t your vibe, but perhaps there are a few Renaissance deep cuts on your gym playlist. Elise Brisco, Rolling Stone, 24 Jan. 2026 Instead, the double feature has been saddled with less than expected revenues, from a downtrend in consumer spending decreasing Measure A outflow, deep cuts in state and federal funds, and higher housing costs, forcing reductions in services amounting to close to a quarter million dollars a year. Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 17 Jan. 2026 Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, has warned that property taxes fund essential local services — particularly in rural communities — and that deep cuts could carry unintended consequences. Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026 Reports show Ross received 20 stitches for a deep cut in his right arm and another 13 stitches in his left hand, according to court documents reviewed by the Star Tribune. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1993, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deep cut was in 1993

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Cite this Entry

“Deep cut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deep%20cut. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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