cut down

verb

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

transitive verb

1
a
: to strike down and kill or incapacitate
b
: knock down
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:
cut down to size

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.
Miami officials are investigating the unauthorized removal of nearly a dozen native mahogany trees along I-95 after families and environmental advocates found the threatened species cut down to stumps. — Abby Dodge, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026 The outlet reported that more than 60 trees across the park — home to many historic cherry trees and sycamores — had been cut down over the past several weeks, citing an informal count. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026 The regular season is just around the corner, and this weekend the Niners are now tasked with cutting down their roster by nearly half. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026 The Food and Drug Administration approved Eli Lilly's diabetes drug Mounjaro to cut down the risk of heart attack or stroke in high-risk adults with Type 2 diabetes. — Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 28 Aug. 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

Rhymes for cut down

See All Rhymes for cut down

Browse Nearby Words

cut costs
cut down
cut down to size
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cut down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cut%20down. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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