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• short-cut
  short-cut

  verb (used with object)

  to cause to be shortened by the use of a shortcut.
• short cut
  short cut

  noun

  a route that is shorter than the usual one

short-cut

American  

[shawrt-kuht] / ˈʃɔrtˌkʌt /

verb (used with object)

short-cut, short-cutting

1. to cause to be shortened by the use of a shortcut.

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verb (used without object)

short-cut, short-cutting

1. to use or take a shortcut.

short cut British  

noun

1. a route that is shorter than the usual one

2. a means of saving time or effort

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verb

1. (intr) to use a short cut

Other Word Forms

• short-cutter
  noun

Etymology

Origin of short-cut

First recorded in 1560–70

Example Sentences

“But people use that road as a short cut and they’re accustomed to zipping through there. We’re letting people know they need to slow down.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2025

You can buy it ready made in a jar or even a box, off the grocery store shelf or use an equally accessible powdered packet as a short cut.

From Salon • Feb. 13, 2025

Some city investors have told the BBC they admire what looks like a smart move by Abu Dhabi investors to secure a short cut.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2023

“There are times when people react and think that government actions can be a short cut to getting things done,” he said.

From Washington Post • Mar. 8, 2023

"Haven't we been coming a shorter way? Didn't that Raven friend of yours say this was a short cut, Shasta?"

From "The Horse and His Boy" by C.S. Lewis

Related Words

• avenue
• course
• direction
• itinerary
• journey
• line
• passage
• road
• track
• trail
• way