cord-cutting

American  

[kawrd-kuht-ing] / ˈkɔrdˌkʌt ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of canceling landline or cable television service in favor of alternatives such as cellular phone, internet streaming, and satellite television.

2. Usually, cord cutting, the act of cutting a newborn's umbilical cord after childbirth.

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adjective

1. relating to or engaging in the process of canceling landline or cable television service in favor of alternatives such as cellular phone, internet streaming, and satellite television.

Example Sentences

The cord-cutting revolution was supposed to democratize television, liberating citizens from corporate gatekeepers.

From Salon • Jun. 21, 2026

“We still think of them as passive devices: We sit, we watch, that’s about it,” Or Goren, editor-in-chief of cord-cutting advocacy publication Cord Busters, wrote to me in an email.

From Slate • May 3, 2026

In its video business, the company is trying to slow cord-cutting by including streaming apps in its cable packages.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Disney’s recent underperformance was influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic, cord-cutting, and the high cost of growing Disney+.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

But “The Madison” and “America’s Culinary Cup” have potential, and if you’re a cord-cutting sports fan, March Madness will be tempting.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 27, 2026