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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."
2
A small, fast, single-masted sailing vessel with two headsails.
"The customs cutter patrolled the coast looking for smugglers."
3
A small motorized boat used by law enforcement, coastguard, or the navy.
"A coast guard cutter was sent to intercept the vessel."
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."

How to use cutter

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word forms

cutters plural, Cutters plural

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Fill the gap

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The factory bought a new metal _____ for the production line.

Etymology

From Middle English cuttere, formed from cut plus the agent suffix -er.

Origin: Middle English

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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial