The verb cut means to divide or slice something using a sharp tool, or to make an opening or removal. It can also be used in many other contexts, like stopping something, reducing amounts, or ending relationships.
Cut Meanings
The verb cut can be used in many different ways. Here are the main meanings:
- Slice or divide: To use a sharp tool to divide something into parts.
- Make an opening: To create a hole or gap by cutting.
- Remove something: To take away or separate a part.
- Reduce: To make something smaller in amount or size.
- Stop or interrupt: To end something suddenly or hide it.
- Leave quickly (informal): To go away fast.
- End a relationship: To stop interacting with someone.
- Perform a shortcut: To take a shorter route.
- Editing: To remove part of a text, video, or audio.
Example Sentences
Here are some examples of cut used in different meanings:
- Slice or divide:
- Can you cut the cake into eight pieces?
- Make an opening:
- I accidentally cut a hole in my shirt.
- Remove something:
- She cut the tags off her new dress.
- Reduce:
- The company cut employee hours last month.
- Stop or interrupt:
- The phone call was cut off suddenly.
- Leave quickly:
- I’m going to cut out before the meeting ends.
- End a relationship:
- He cut ties with his old friends.
- Perform a shortcut:
- Let’s cut through the park to get there faster.
- Editing:
- The editor cut several scenes from the movie.
Each example shows how cut can be used in a real sentence.
Summary
- Cut is an irregular verb: cut / cut / cut.
- It can mean slicing, opening, removing, reducing, stopping, leaving, ending, shortcutting, or editing.
- Its meaning depends on the context.
- It is used in many everyday situations.
This page covers the main uses of cut in English. If you want to learn about its forms and usage, visit our Cut: Forms and Usage page.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
