cut-and-cover

American  

[kuht-n-kuhv-er] / ˈkʌt nˈkʌv ər /

noun

1. a method for digging a tunnel, laying pipe, etc., by cutting a trench, constructing the tunnel or laying the pipe in it, and covering with the excavated material.

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cut-and-cover British  

adjective

1. designating a method of constructing a tunnel by excavating a cutting to the required depth and then backfilling the excavation over the tunnel roof

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Etymology

Origin of cut-and-cover

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

In case of a Soviet attack, nukes dispersed in thousands of miles of cut-and-cover tunnels could be launched within 20 minutes.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

In the discussions on how to proceed with the missing link, I have never heard of a possible cut-and-cover solution.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 5, 2023

The tunnels were built between 1894 and 1898 by the cut-and-cover method, rather than boring.

From BBC • Aug. 7, 2018

Under a so-called cut-and-cover method also used on other projects throughout the city, part of 30th Street would be dug up and covered over, so construction could continue underneath, Colangelo-Bryan told community members.

From Reuters • Feb. 21, 2017

The tunnels where lined, and the cut-and-cover, are formed of concrete, and are 7 ft. in height and width, the usual thickness of the concrete being 15 in.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 3 "Apollodorus" to "Aral" by Various