noun
cutter
KUH-tuh
noun
1
A person, tool, or machine that cuts something.
"The factory bought a new metal cutter for the production line."
"She works as a pattern cutter in a clothing factory."
2
A small, fast, single-masted sailing vessel with two headsails.
"The customs cutter patrolled the coast looking for smugglers."
3
A small motorized boat used by law enforcement, coastguard, or the navy.
"A coast guard cutter was sent to intercept the vessel."
4
In baseball, a fastball thrown with a slight sideways break; short for "cut fastball."
"His cutter is nearly impossible for right-handed batters to hit cleanly."
How to Use Cutter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething (or someone) that cuts — a tool, a boat type, or a specific baseball pitch, depending on context.
Common pairings
box cutter
cookie cutter
coast guard cutter
throw a cutter
Word Forms
cutters plural, Cutters plural
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The factory bought a new metal _____ for the production line.
Etymology
From Middle English cuttere, formed from cut plus the agent suffix -er.