noun
Uncommon
cutter
KUH-tuh
Cutter (noun) means a person, tool, or machine that cuts something. Example: “The factory bought a new metal cutter for the production line.”
noun
1
A person, tool, or machine that cuts something.
"The factory bought a new metal cutter for the production line."
"She works as a pattern cutter in a clothing factory."
"He used a glass cutter to trim the window pane neatly."
2
A small, fast, single-masted sailing vessel with two headsails.
"The customs cutter patrolled the coast looking for smugglers."
"The sleek cutter sailed out of the harbour with a fresh breeze behind it."
"He learned to sail aboard an old wooden cutter."
3
A small motorized boat used by law enforcement, coastguard, or the navy.
"A coast guard cutter was sent to intercept the vessel."
"The coastguard cutter pulled alongside the drifting fishing boat."
"A navy cutter patrolled the bay all night."
4
In baseball, a fastball thrown with a slight sideways break; short for "cut fastball."
"His cutter is nearly impossible for right-handed batters to hit cleanly."
"The pitcher threw a cutter that broke in on the batter's hands."
"She practised her cutter for hours until it moved sharply."
How to use cutter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething (or someone) that cuts — a tool, a boat type, or a specific baseball pitch, depending on context.
Common pairings
box cutter
cookie cutter
coast guard cutter
throw a cutter
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Word forms
- Plural
- cutters
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The factory bought a new metal _____ for the production line.
Etymology
From Middle English cuttere, formed from cut plus the agent suffix -er.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for cutter
See all rhymes for cutter →Frequently asked questions
What does “cutter” mean?
The word “cutter” means a person, tool, or machine that cuts something. In plain terms, something (or someone) that cuts — a tool, a boat type, or a specific baseball pitch, depending on context.
How do you pronounce “cutter”?
“Cutter” is pronounced KUH-tuh (/ˈkʌtɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “cutter” in a sentence?
Here is “cutter” used in a sentence: “The factory bought a new metal cutter for the production line.”
What part of speech is “cutter”?
“Cutter” is a noun.
Where does the word “cutter” come from?
The word “cutter” comes from Middle English. From Middle English cuttere, formed from cut plus the agent suffix -er.
Is “cutter” a common word?
“Cutter” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “cutter” have?
“Cutter” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person, tool, or machine that cuts something.
What is the difference between a cutter and a knife?
A cutter is a general term for any person, tool, or machine that cuts something, while a knife specifically refers to a bladed hand tool. A cutter can be a knife, but it can also be a machine, a boat, or even a type of baseball pitch, depending on context.
What is a cutter in sailing?
In sailing, a cutter is a small, fast, single-masted sailing vessel with two headsails, distinguishing it from other rigs that carry only one headsail on a single mast.
What is a coast guard cutter?
A coast guard cutter is a small motorized boat used by law enforcement, coastguard, or naval forces, distinct from the sailing vessel sense of cutter.
What does 'cutter' mean in baseball?
In baseball, a cutter is short for cut fastball, a pitch thrown with a slight sideways break as it approaches the batter. This is a specialized sporting sense unrelated to the tool or boat meanings.
