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

See Examples For:

cut-and-cover

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

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

From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2018

A cut-and-cover tunnel would have required expensive relocation of utility pipes and wires, he said, while tearing into an intersection of busy Northeast Fourth Street.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 24, 2017

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

In the Thirlmere aqueduct, which brings water to Manchester, there are 45 miles of cast-iron pipes, 37 miles of cut-and-cover work, and 14 miles of tunnels proper.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 2 Amiel to Atrauli by Various