Meaning & Definition
noun
A piece removed by cutting.
He took a cutting from the plant to propagate it.
A sharp edge or tool designed for dividing materials.
Be careful with that cutting tool; it's very sharp.
A reduction in size or quantity.
The budget cutting resulted in fewer staff members.
verb
The act of using a sharp tool to divide something into parts.
She is cutting the cake into equal slices.
To remove or sever part of something.
He is cutting the weeds from the garden.
adjective
Characterized by harshness or severity; incisive.
She made a cutting remark that offended everyone.
Etymology
From the Old English cūtan, meaning to cut.
Common Phrases and Expressions
cutting edge:
Innovative or advanced; at the forefront of development.
cutting corners:
To do something in a way that saves time or money but may lead to lower quality.
cutting remarks:
Statements that are sharp or hurtful.
cutting ties:
To sever relationships or connections.
a cut above:
Of higher quality than others.
Slang Meanings
To leave or depart quickly.
I gotta go; I'm cutting out.
To disregard or skip something.
We're cutting class today to hang out.