# cut /ˈkət/ (US) · /kˈʌt/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cut Updated: 2026-08-15 ## Senses ### 1. to divide with a blade verb · CEFR A1 to use a knife, scissors, or another sharp tool to open, divide, or remove something. For teachers: to penetrate or divide a surface or object using a sharp-edged instrument. Transitive in most physical contexts. - She used a sharp knife to cut the bread into thick slices. - The surgeon carefully cut through the outer layer of tissue to reach the damaged ligament. ### 2. to reduce verb · CEFR A2 to make something smaller in size, amount, or number. For teachers: to decrease the quantity, size, or intensity of something. Often used in economic or administrative contexts. - The company had to cut prices to attract more customers. - The government announced plans to cut public spending by ten percent over the next fiscal year. ### 3. to remove or edit verb · CEFR B1 to take out a part of a story, film, or piece of writing. For teachers: to remove specific segments from a creative work during the editing process; in computing, to remove data and store it on the clipboard. - The director decided to cut the final scene because the movie was too long. - You can cut the selected text and paste it into a new document to reorganise your notes. ### 4. to ignore someone verb · CEFR C1 · Formal to pretend you do not see or know someone you meet. For teachers: to intentionally ignore or snub a person in a social setting. Often implies a deliberate act of social rejection. - She felt hurt when her former friend cut her at the party. - In Victorian society, to cut an acquaintance in public was considered a severe social reprimand. ### 5. to dilute verb · CEFR C1 · Slang to mix a substance with something else to make it weaker or cheaper. For teachers: to adulterate or dilute a substance, typically a drug or liquid, to increase its volume or decrease its potency. - The juice was cut with water to make it last longer for the kids. - Forensic analysis revealed that the illegal substances had been cut with various household powders to increase profit margins. ### 6. a wound noun · CEFR A2 an opening in the skin made by something sharp. For teachers: an injury involving a narrow opening in the skin or flesh. - He got a small cut on his finger while peeling the potatoes. - The nurse cleaned the deep cut on his arm before applying several stitches to close the wound. ### 7. a share noun · CEFR B2 · Informal a part of something, like a share of money or profits. For teachers: a share or percentage of a total amount, typically referring to profits or earnings. - The agent takes a ten percent cut of everything the actor earns. - After the successful heist, each member of the crew demanded their fair cut of the proceeds. ### 8. a reduction noun · CEFR B1 a decrease in the amount or level of something. For teachers: an act of reducing the amount, number, or size of something. Often used in the plural for financial contexts. - The workers were angry about the proposed cut in their pay. - Significant budget cuts have forced the university to cancel several elective courses this semester. ### 9. style or shape noun · CEFR B1 the way something is shaped or styled, like hair or clothes. For teachers: the style or fashion in which a garment or hair is shaped or tailored. - I really like the cut of that jacket; it fits you perfectly. - The tailor explained that the specific cut of the suit was designed to broaden the appearance of the shoulders. ### 10. muscular adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal having muscles that are very easy to see because there is little body fat. For teachers: possessing highly defined musculature with minimal subcutaneous fat. Common in bodybuilding contexts. - He spent months in the gym to get cut for the summer. - The athlete appeared incredibly cut on stage, with every muscle group clearly visible under the bright lights. ## Examples - He wants his cut of the profits. - As the agent, she gets a ten percent cut of every deal her client makes. - The underworld agreement was simple: each participant received an equal cut, ensuring loyalty through a shared, vested interest in the venture's illicit success. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.