clean-cut

[ kleen-kuht ]

adjective

1. having distinct, regular shape:

   a face with clean-cut features.

2. clearly outlined.
3. neat and wholesome:

   a polite, clean-cut young man.

4. unambiguously clear; unmistakable; clear-cut:

   The case against him is a clean-cut one.

clean-cut

adjective

1. clearly outlined; neat

   clean-cut lines of a ship

2. definite

   a clean-cut decision in boxing

Word History and Origins

Origin of clean-cut¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

He was cute and had a nice profile depicting a clean-cut, slightly geeky guy.

From Los Angeles Times

He had a nice profile that depicted a clean-cut, slightly geeky guy.

From Los Angeles Times

He's typically the dreamy, clean-cut brother that mothers and fathers hope their daughters meet in college.

From Salon

But the parallels between the clean-cut Vance and me only went so far.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead it was Southgate, clean-cut and fresh-faced, who stared out at the black leathers and bright hair and, speaking into the microphone, welcomed John Lydon and the band to the stage.

From BBC

Related Words

• chiseled