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

While the broad move toward cord cutting and a la carte programming has put significant pressure on pay-TV providers, it has also created a plethora of unforeseen problems for streaming services.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

Versant owns cable channels including CNBC, MS NOW, and the Golf Channel, and analysts expect it to trade at a low valuation because of cord cutting and advertising challenges.

From Barron's • Jan. 5, 2026

The cuts were widely expected as CNN has seen its ratings drop since 2021 while cord cutting steadily erodes the revenue source that pay TV subscriptions provide.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2025

Those include cord cutting, diminishing advertising revenue and streaming businesses that are bleeding cash.

From New York Times • Feb. 9, 2024

Carefully trace it to the spinal cord, cutting away the bone where necessary, and find the connections of its branches with the cord.

From Physiology and Hygiene for Secondary Schools by Walters, Francis M.