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• cut-in
  cut-in

  noun

  a still, as of a scene or an object, inserted in a film and interrupting the action or continuity.
• cut in
  cut in

  verb

  to break in or interrupt

cut-in

American  

[kuht-in] / ˈkʌtˌɪn /

noun

1. Movies. a still, as of a scene or an object, inserted in a film and interrupting the action or continuity.

   We will insert a cut-in of the letter as she reads it.

2. Radio and Television. a commercial or other announcement inserted by a local station into a network broadcast.

3. the act of cutting in, as on a dancing couple.

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cut in British  

verb

1. Also: cut into.  to break in or interrupt

2. (intr) to interrupt a dancing couple to dance with one of them

3. (intr) (of a driver, motor vehicle, etc) to draw in front of another vehicle leaving too little space

4. informal (tr) to allow to have a share

5. (intr) to take the place of a person in a card game

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noun

1. Also called: insert.  films a separate shot or scene inserted at a relevant point

cut in Idioms  

1. Move oneself between others, take a place ahead of one's proper turn. For example, She was very aggressive, always cutting in the cafeteria line . [Early 1600s]

2. Also, . Interrupt a conversation; also, interpose oneself between dancing partners and replace one of them. For example, Before Walter was done talking, Marion cut into his conversation , or Jane was quite pleased when Arthur cut in on their dance . [First half of 1800s]

3. Also, cut in on . Include in a profitable business deal or share of the profit, as in Do you want to be cut in on this deal? or We plan to cut you in on this moneymaker . [ Slang ; late 1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of cut-in

First recorded in 1880–85; noun use of verb phrase cut in

Example Sentences

Highland Council said tackling light pollution could bring other benefits such as a cut in energy use, better protection for nocturnal wildlife - and even help people get a better night's sleep.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

OPEC’s crude output fell last month as the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz forced Gulf producers to curb production, prompting a cut in its demand forecast.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

“The market has all but given up hope for a rate cut in 2026,” Darius Dale, of the research firm 42 Macro, wrote in a recent note.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Wearing an eye mask fashioned out of a dollar bill with strategic holes cut in it, so as not to trip over Jeff Bezos, Paulson’s look dared to ask: “In this economy?”

From Salon • May 5, 2026

“I have to stop you right now,” the professor cut in, holding his hand in the air.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• break in
• move in