cut down

verb
cut down; cutting down; cuts down

Definition of cut down

transitive verb

1a : to strike down and kill or incapacitate
2a : 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
cut down to size
: to reduce from an inflated or exaggerated importance to true or suitable stature

Examples of cut down in a Sentence

we need to cut down that dying tree

Recent Examples on the Web

If UConn can shore up its red-zone defense and cut down on penalties, this unit will continue to improve on last year. Alex Putterman, courant.com, "UConn post-game grades: Who played well against Illinois, and who can improve?," 8 Sep. 2019 To cut down on future weeding, pull out all existing weeds, plant your plants, then mulch the entire area with 3 inches of shredded bark. Boston.com Real Estate, "Ask the Gardener: Unhappy hosta? The solution may be in your fridge," 5 Sep. 2019 That could allow other sports like soccer, lacrosse and flag football to use the field turf, while at the same time cutting down on the inordinate amount of time that rec department workers spend on groundskeeping. Thomas Jewell, cleveland.com, "Ball put in play for new turf at Cisar baseball field in Solon Community Park," 26 Aug. 2019 An estimate from the National Retail Federation puts staff turnover at 60%, so there is certainly an imperative to hire strategically to cut down on attrition. Rob Csernyik, Quartz at Work, "Why is “courage” suddenly such a popular job requirement?," 20 Aug. 2019 To cut down on plastic in the bathroom, Cohen forgoes plastic hand soap pump bottles in favor of old-fashioned bar soap. Elizabeth Mayhew, Washington Post, "How to cut down on single-use plastics at home," 20 Aug. 2019 Only Miami Hall of Fame players could even be the sideline as Golden cut down on the noise players heard. Dave Hyde, sun-sentinel.com, "Hyde: The New Miami meets good ol’ Miami as Jon Beason counsels Hurricanes linebackers | Commentary," 19 Aug. 2019 Authorities say a man was killed while cutting down trees for firewood in central Pennsylvania. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Man killed while cutting down trees, death ruled accidental," 18 Aug. 2019 America has become well and truly obsessed with healthy living, being encouraged to eat the right foods, exercise regularly, stop smoking and to cut down on alcohol. Houston Chronicle, "Expert: Follow 10 tips to preserve hearing health," 16 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cut down.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of cut down

1571, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

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More Definitions for cut down

cutdown

noun
cut·​down | \ ˈkət-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce cutdown (audio) \

Medical Definition of cutdown

: incision of a superficial blood vessel (as a vein) to facilitate insertion of a catheter (as for administration of fluids)