cutout

1 of 3

noun

cut·​out ˈkət-ˌau̇t How to pronounce cutout (audio)
1
: something cut out or off from something else
also : the space or hole left after cutting
2
: one that cuts out
3
: an intermediary in a clandestine operation
4
: a record album no longer in production that is sold at a discount
cutout adjective

cut out

2 of 3

verb

cut out; cutting out; cuts out

transitive verb

1
: to form by erosion
2
: to determine or assign through necessity
you've got your work cut out for you
3
: to take the place of : supplant
4
: to put an end to : desist from
cut out wasteful spending
5
: deprive, defraud
cut him out of his share
6
a
: to remove from a series or circuit : disconnect
cut out a car from a train
b
: to make inoperative

intransitive verb

1
: to depart in haste
2
: to cease operating
3
: to swerve out of a traffic line

cut out

3 of 3

adjective

: naturally fitted or suited
not cut out to be a vet

Examples of cutout in a Sentence

Noun a cardboard cutout of a famous actor Verb the engine abruptly cut out now cut that out, or I'm turning this car around!
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The mom of two and former athlete turned up the heat in fiery red swimsuits, including a daring cutout Mugler one-piece showing off her ribcage tattoo. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 Photo : Phil Mansfield View from a circular cutout in the concrete wall of the sunken courtyard. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 29 Feb. 2024 Singer and model Ebony Riley went sheer in an LBD with a plunging V-neck and cutouts on the arms. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2024 On Sunday the Euphoria star—who plays a desert alien warrior princess in the sci-fi blockbuster—graced the red carpet in yet another midriff-baring press tour serve: a cream-colored gown with a large skeletal cutout from Stéphane Rolland Couture. Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 26 Feb. 2024 The batwing short-sleeve shirt includes a sultry cutout at the shoulder, giving the basic silhouette a splash of intrigue. Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2024 Apollo was also seen posing behind a cardboard cutout of a banana. Becca Longmire, Peoplemag, 19 Feb. 2024 One woman marched into the shop on Friday morning to take a photo with the cardboard cutout of Trump. Max Greenwood, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2024 Longtime fans and newcomers will find black and white body-hugging dresses with Ms. Karan’s signature — and originally quite provocative — cutouts; soft stretch knit suiting options; a tough-looking crinkled nylon trench; and even a sequined evening gown. Jo Rodgers Jameson Montgomery Roxanne Fequiere Emilia Petrarca Kate Guadagnino Sophie Bew, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2024
Verb
She was not seriously injured but needed to be cut out of the car. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 6 Mar. 2024 Boding well for Charlotte, guard Isaiah Folkes is known for his defensive prowess, and the 49ers’ best perimeter defender has his work cut out for him against USF. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 1 Mar. 2024 The $4 million proposed for a reparations office was cut out of this year’s budget. Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2024 At the end of the pier, marathoners were lowering themselves into a hole cut out of 8-inch thick ice. Lisa Lucas, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2024 The prosecution alleged that the rapper was murdered by the two defendants when they were cut out of a potentially lucrative deal involving 22 lbs. Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 27 Feb. 2024 Maintain focus by cutting out what doesn’t matter, and create and stick to your values and boundaries with a set of personal rules. Jodie Cook, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Use different-size star cookie cutters to create the topping, then cut out smaller stars to edge the pie. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2024 Another time, the call cuts out abruptly; in a few minutes, the Italian sends me a voice memo, apologizing. Anna Holmes, The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cutout.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cutout was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near cutout

Cite this Entry

“Cutout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutout. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cutout

1 of 3 noun
cut·​out ˈkət-ˌau̇t How to pronounce cutout (audio)
: something cut out or off from something else
cutout adjective

cut out

2 of 3 verb
1
: to assign through necessity
you've got your work cut out for you
2
: to put an end to
now cut that out
3
: to come to a stop
the engines cut out

cut out

3 of 3 adjective
: naturally suited
not cut out for teaching
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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