rough cut

¹ American  

noun

Movies.

1. the first assembly of a film following preliminary cutting and editing.

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rough-cut ² American  

[ruhf-kuht] / ˈrʌfˈkʌt /

adjective

1. cut into small, irregular pieces (contrasted with fine-cut).

   rough-cut tobacco.

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rough-cut British  

noun

1. a first edited version of a film with the scenes in sequence and the soundtrack synchronized

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Etymology

Origin of rough cut¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Origin of rough-cut²

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

So the week before, or two weeks before, we had shown a rough cut to Raney Aronson.

From Salon • Sep. 23, 2024

I saw the rough cut of the movie and I wrote down the title, “The Fire Inside.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2024

The singer, who's fought her own battles against public perception, said inspiration hit her "like a tornado" after watching a rough cut of the film.

From BBC • Jul. 19, 2023

The first step in refinishing an existing hardwood floor or sanding virgin hardwood is to do a rough cut with a massive drum sander.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 26, 2023

“Which I doubt;” His voice was oddly and beautifully rough cut, as some small boys’ voices are.

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger