Cut: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used when separating or dividing material, often with a sharp tool. Can be physical or metaphorical.

• She used a knife to cut the apples into slices.
• They had to cut the budget for the project.

A tool with a handle and a flat, sharp blade, primarily used in the kitchen for cutting, slicing, or chopping food.

• She used a knife to chop the onions.
• He always carries a pocket knife for emergencies.

Refers specifically to the flat, sharp part of a tool, weapon, or machine that is used for cutting.

• The blade of the knife was very sharp.
• He replaced the blade of his lawnmower.

A cutting instrument consisting of a pair of metal blades that are joined in the middle and used for cutting various materials, especially paper, fabric, or hair.

• She picked up the scissors to cut out a piece of fabric.
• He handed me the scissors to trim the edges of the paper.

Use it for a general action of dividing something with a sharp tool, like when you're cutting paper or fabric.

• She cut the paper into small pieces.
• Can you cut this fabric for me?

Best used when you need to talk about cutting something into thin, flat pieces, such as bread, fruits, or vegetables.

• She sliced the bread for sandwiches.
• Can you slice the tomatoes thinly?

Perfect when referring to the action of cutting something into small pieces, usually with a repetitive motion and often related to food preparation.

• He chopped the onions for the salad.
• Can you chop the carrots into small pieces?

This is often used when talking about sculpting or creating shapes out of material like wood or stone, or when slicing meats, especially during holidays.

• He carved a wooden bear out of a block of wood.
• She carved the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.