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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

See Examples For:

cut-in cut in

“There are many different types of pie crust,” Baldwin explained, “but the most classic ones use a cut-in fat technique, which gives you a tender, flaky crust.”

From Salon ● Jan. 30, 2025

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

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

Its hallmark was the “Clovis point,” a four-inch spearhead with a slightly cut-in, concave tail; in silhouette, the points somewhat resemble those goldfish-shaped cocktail crackers.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

A single prohormone can be cut in several different ways, producing many possible peptides.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 24, 2026

“The less you cut now, the more you cut in the future.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

Ryu's recent success is all the more remarkable given she missed the cut in this event 12 months ago, and was a lowly 61st at PGA Frisco in 2025.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

But funding from the city and county was recently cut in half, said the center’s chief executive, Amy Turk.

From Los Angeles Times ● 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