cull
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for cull, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To select or pick something out from a larger group.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use cull
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French cuillir ("to gather, select"), from Latin colligere ("to gather together") — the same root as "collect."
Full origin of cull →Frequently asked questions
What does “cull” mean?
The word “cull” means to select or pick something out from a larger group. In plain terms, to pick out or thin down a group — often used for reducing animal populations, but also for trimming a list down to the best items.
How do you pronounce “cull”?
“Cull” is pronounced kuhl (/kʌl/ in IPA).
How do you use “cull” in a sentence?
Here is “cull” used in a sentence: “The editor culled the best quotes from the interview.”
What part of speech is “cull”?
Depending on how it is used, “cull” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “cull” come from?
The word “cull” comes from Latin. From Old French cuillir ("to gather, select"), from Latin colligere ("to gather together") — the same root as "collect.".
How many meanings does “cull” have?
“Cull” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to select or pick something out from a larger group.