clearing

noun

clear·​ing ˈklir-iŋ 

1

: the act or process of making or becoming clear

2

: a tract of land cleared of wood and brush

3

: the settlement of accounts or exchange of financial instruments especially between banks

Synonyms of clearing

• pardon
• forgiveness
• vindication
• acquittal
• exoneration

Examples of clearing in a Sentence

the clearing of the table

the clearing of wood and brush from part of the forest

We found a clearing in the forest.

Recent Examples on the Web

Their property sits in a short valley, with breathtaking views of the mountains in a small clearing. —Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 2 May 2026

Goodman and Castro drew back-to-back two-out walks to load the bases before Sullivan hit a bases-clearing double to right in the first inning. —ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026

When a living room feels cluttered, clearing surfaces is the fastest way to make a difference. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026

Fallen trees and debris required extensive clearing before crews could safely assess damage and begin repairs. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clearing

• clearing bank

Rhymes for clearing

• cheering
• earing
• earring
• fearing
• gearing
• hearing
• jeering
• leering
• nearing
• peering
• rearing
• searing

Kids Definition

clearing

noun

clear·​ing ˈkli(ə)r-iŋ 

1

: the act or process of making or becoming clear

2

: an area of land cleared of wood and brush