cut-out

The teacher uses a cut-out to demonstrate the shape of a leaf.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A shape or figure cut from paper or other material: "cut-out" refers to an object, often decorative or illustrative, that has been cut out of paper, cardboard, or fabric.
   • A safety device in electrical circuits: In electronics, a "cut-out" is a fuse or switch that automatically interrupts an electric current to prevent damage from overloads.

2. Verb (used as a compound noun, but not as a verb form; the verb phrase "cut out" is separate):

   • Note: As a single word, "cut-out" is primarily a noun. The verb phrase "cut out" means to remove by cutting, to stop functioning, or to eliminate.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The children made a paper cut-out of a star. (A shape cut from paper.)
  • The electrician replaced the blown cut-out in the fuse box. (A safety device in an electrical system.)

Advanced Usage

• "cut-out" in photography or design: A technique where an object is removed from its background in an image.

  • The graphic designer used a cut-out of the model for the advertisement. (An image with the background removed.)

• "cut-out" in fashion: A garment with sections of fabric removed, revealing skin.

  • She wore a dress with a cut-out at the waist. (A dress with an opening in the fabric.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cutout (alternative spelling): The same as "cut-out," often used without a hyphen.

  • The cardboard cutout of the celebrity was life-sized. (A full-size figure cut from cardboard.)

• Cut-out as an adjective (in compound nouns): Used to describe something that is meant to be cut out.

  • A cut-out book with paper dolls. (A book containing figures to be cut out.)

Synonyms

• Silhouette: a dark shape or outline, especially when cut out.

  • The artist created a silhouette cut-out of the bird. (A black outline shape.)

• Fuse: a safety device in an electrical circuit (for the electrical meaning).

  • The cut-out acted as a fuse when the current surged. (A protective component.)

Phrasal Verbs (related to the verb phrase "cut out")

• Cut out: to remove something by cutting; to stop doing something; to stop functioning.
  • She cut out a picture from the magazine. (Removed by cutting.)
  • The engine cut out suddenly. (Stopped working.)
  • I need to cut out sugar from my diet. (Eliminate.)

Related Idioms

• Cut out for: naturally suited or qualified for something.

  • He is not cut out for a desk job. (He is not naturally suited for it.)

• Cut it out: an informal command to stop doing something annoying.

  • Cut it out! You're being too loud. (Stop that behaviour.)