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

“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

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

While there have been declines in revenues because of cord-cutting, the company, which includes USA Network, SYFY, CNBC, Golf Channel, E! and Oxygen, says it still delivers double-digit profit margins.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Growing streaming profitability is critical for entertainment companies as their linear network businesses continue to decline because of cord-cutting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026