deep cut
noun
plural deep cuts
1
music
: a song that is considerably less popular and well-known than other songs on the same album or by the same artist
From there, the band careened through highlights and the occasional deep cut from its catalog …—
Mikael Wood
Mikael WoodBut the rocker saw an opportunity to turn casual fans on to his deep cuts—so each disc intersperses hits with lesser-known album tracks in non-chronological order.—David Browne
David Browne2
: something (such as an obscure reference to a book or movie) that is recognizable to devotees but not usually to others
One of the fun things about being a Marvel fan is the franchise's ability to constantly surprise its audience with comic book deep cuts, surprising castings, and twists that no one sees coming.—Alexis Nedd
Alexis Nedd
deep-cut
adjective
a deep-cut reference/joke
Examples of deep cut in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Morema’s parents were found tied up at their home in Kenya in March 2023, and had sustained deep cuts.
—Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
That message aligns with Cruz’s view that NASA funding remains broadly bipartisan, even as the White House proposes deep cuts.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026
While some in the chamber's controlling party push for greater regulations, others have proposed deep cuts to the state department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy budget, which agency officials say will hinder their ability to monitor problem dams.
—CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
But the budget request also recommends deep cuts to NASA’s science budget and the elimination of other programs, including STEM education — to the tune of nearly 50%.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
Sleek, easy to clean, and resistant to deep cuts over time, these metal boards are lauded for their durability compared to plastic.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 2026
The request, which is broadly similar to what was proposed last year, includes deep cuts to the National Institutes of Health, the elimination of a health research agency, and the creation of a new agency devoted to chronic diseases called the Administration for a Healthy America.
—Chelsea Cirruzzo, STAT, 21 Apr. 2026
Fans of the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers — who have sold more than 20 million albums and notched more than 40 international gold and platinum discs — can expect to hear a mix of old and new, smashes and deep cuts, when Cheap Trick visits Bridges Auditorium in Claremont on April 21.
—Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
San Diego City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, chair of the MTS board, said the agency would have to make painfully deep cuts to service without a fare hike.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
That message aligns with Cruz’s view that NASA funding remains broadly bipartisan, even as the White House proposes deep cuts.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026
While some in the chamber's controlling party push for greater regulations, others have proposed deep cuts to the state department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy budget, which agency officials say will hinder their ability to monitor problem dams.
—CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
But the budget request also recommends deep cuts to NASA’s science budget and the elimination of other programs, including STEM education — to the tune of nearly 50%.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
Sleek, easy to clean, and resistant to deep cuts over time, these metal boards are lauded for their durability compared to plastic.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 2026
The request, which is broadly similar to what was proposed last year, includes deep cuts to the National Institutes of Health, the elimination of a health research agency, and the creation of a new agency devoted to chronic diseases called the Administration for a Healthy America.
—Chelsea Cirruzzo, STAT, 21 Apr. 2026
Fans of the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers — who have sold more than 20 million albums and notched more than 40 international gold and platinum discs — can expect to hear a mix of old and new, smashes and deep cuts, when Cheap Trick visits Bridges Auditorium in Claremont on April 21.
—Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
San Diego City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, chair of the MTS board, said the agency would have to make painfully deep cuts to service without a fare hike.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deep cut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deep%20cut. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
