Cuttings: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in gardening and horticulture to refer to pieces of plants that are cut off with the intention of propagating new plants.

• She took cuttings from her favorite rose bush to grow more of them

Often used in gardening to refer to a small piece of plant, particularly a shoot, that is used for planting. Can also refer to pottery materials.

• She planted the slips in pots to grow new houseplants

Specifically used in horticulture and botany to refer to a young shoot or twig of a plant, especially one cut for grafting or rooting.

• The gardener selected a healthy scion to graft onto the existing apple tree

This word is commonly used in gardening or plant propagation to refer to pieces of plants that are cut off to grow new plants.

• I took some cuttings from my rose bush to start new plants
• Gardeners often use cuttings to propagate their favorite flowers

The term is used when referring to a short part taken from a book, speech, article, or other written or spoken work.

• He read an excerpt from his novel during the book signing
• The teacher gave us an excerpt from Shakespeare to analyze

This word is used when talking about a carefully chosen part or group of people or items from a larger whole.

• He gave us a selection of poems to read
• The museum has a fine selection of ancient artifacts

This word is used to denote a smaller part taken from a larger text or a substance taken from plants or other sources. It can also have a figurative meaning.

• The extract from the report shows an increase in sales
• Vanilla extract is a common ingredient in baking

Generally refers to small pieces or sections that have been cut off from something larger. This term can be used in various contexts, for example, gardening or cooking.

• The gardener collected rose cuttings to plant them in a different part of the garden.
• She used vegetable cuttings to make a delicious stock.

Refers to small pieces of hair that have been cut off, usually during a haircut. It has a neutral connotation.

• The barber swept up the hair clippings from the floor.
• Hair clippings can be reused for certain composting methods.

Indicates small amounts of hair trimmed off during grooming or haircutting. Commonly used in everyday language with a neutral implication.

• The pet groomer cleaned up the dog's hair trimmings.
• Gather the hair trimmings and dispose of them properly.

Specifically denotes broken pieces or shattered parts of hair. Used rarely and often carries a more negative or technical connotation.

• The forensic team examined the hair fragments found at the crime scene.
• Hair fragments in the comb indicated potential damage and breakage.