English Reference
noun

cutter

n.
US /ˈkətɝ/ UK /kˈʌtɐ/ cut·ter UK spelling cutter's, cutter's

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    a tool or a machine used for cutting specific materials like paper, glass, or wire.

    an instrument or machine designed to sever or shape materials through a cutting action.

    Simple

    He used a glass cutter to carefully resize the mirror for the bathroom.

    In context

    The industrial paper cutter is equipped with a safety guard to prevent accidents during high-volume trimming tasks.

    bladeshearstrimmer
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    a person whose job involves cutting things, such as fabric for clothes or precious stones.

    a person whose professional occupation involves the precise cutting of materials, such as a gem-cutter or a garment-cutter.

    Simple

    The diamond cutter spent weeks planning how to divide the large stone.

    In context

    As a master pattern cutter, she was responsible for translating the designer's sketches into physical templates for the factory.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate nautical

    a small, fast ship used by the coast guard or a sailing boat with one mast.

    a small, fast naval or law enforcement vessel; also a single-masted sailing vessel with multiple headsails.

    Simple

    The Coast Guard cutter intercepted the boat just outside the harbor.

    In context

    The historic sailing cutter featured a distinctive rig that allowed it to navigate effectively even in light winds.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced HumorousInformalSlang Medicine

    a slang or humorous name for a doctor who performs operations.

    a colloquial and often irreverent term for a surgeon.

    Simple

    The old cutter has been working in this hospital for thirty years.

    In context

    Despite his reputation as a brilliant cutter, the surgeon was known for his poor bedside manner with patients.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Technical Sport

    a fast throw in baseball that moves slightly to the side as it reaches the batter.

    a cut fastball; a pitch that breaks slightly away from the pitcher's arm side.

    Simple

    The pitcher threw a sharp cutter that the batter completely missed.

    In context

    He relied on his cutter to induce weak ground balls when facing power hitters in the late innings.

  6. 06 C2 Proficiency SlangDialect

    a slang word for a knife, often used in city areas.

    a slang term for a knife or bladed weapon, common in certain urban dialects.

    Simple

    He was caught carrying a cutter in his pocket during the street festival.

    In context

    The local youth used specific slang, referring to any folding blade as a cutter to avoid detection by authorities.

  7. 07 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Medicine

    a person who intentionally hurts themselves by making small cuts on their skin.

    an individual who engages in self-injurious behavior specifically by cutting their own skin.

    Simple

    The school counselor was trained to help students who were identified as cutters.

    In context

    Clinical psychologists emphasize that being a cutter is often a symptom of deep emotional distress rather than a desire for attention.

  8. 08 C2 Proficiency Archaic

    a small, light carriage on runners pulled by one horse over snow.

    a small, light horse-drawn sleigh, typically designed for two people.

    Simple

    They took the cutter out for a ride across the frozen fields.

    In context

    The museum's collection includes a beautifully preserved nineteenth-century cutter, complete with its original velvet upholstery.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated