Jump To:

• 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.

---

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

---

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]

---

Etymology

Origin of cut-in

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cut-in cut in

Though there are people who cut-in, it’s a minor issue compared to the core problem frustrating the commuters on the Washington State Ferries system.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 29, 2022

But even when they’re operating below the cut-in speed, wind turbines still spin — and take a toll on bats.

From National Geographic ● Sep. 2, 2015

I asked Barry, a cut-in writer I was friendly with who was occupying the desk next to mine.

From Salon ● Jun. 4, 2013

Allen made a trademark out of following a slow fade-out with a quick cut-in, unorthodox at the time.

From The Guardian ● Apr. 28, 2010

“There’s no automatic cut-in of the vagus nerve,” Phil Resch said, “in an android. As there is in a human. Weren’t you taught that when they trained you? I got taught that years ago.”

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick

Maybe you’re comfortable taking a 15% pay cut in exchange for more predictable hours.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 20, 2026

This number was cut in half in 2023, after Lula returned to office pledging to curb Amazon destruction, and has continued to decrease.

From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026

Barely four minutes after Bellingham’s second goal, the lead was cut in half when England’s defense failed to deal with a free-kick and Mexico forward Julián Quiñones rifled into the roof of the net.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026

If budgets are cut in England, that can mean less money for Welsh ministers.

From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026

Had they gone through a wide gap someone had cut in it, a hole so big she could not see it?

From "Lupita Mañana" by Patricia Beatty

Related Words

• break in
• move in