short-cut

[ shawrt-kuht ]

verb (used with object)

, short-cut, short-cut·ting.

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

verb (used without object)

, short-cut, short-cut·ting.

1. to use or take a shortcut.

short cut

noun

1. a route that is shorter than the usual one
2. a means of saving time or effort

verb

1. intr to use a short cut

Other Words From

• short-cutter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of short-cut¹

First recorded in 1560–70

Word History and Origins

Origin of short-cut¹

C16: from cut (in the sense: a direct route)

Example Sentences

One of Mr Zhu’s brothers told police how they were trying to take a short cut, and he had ended up climbing on loose rock, but lost his balance and fell.

From BBC

Perhaps, as she wrote to herself in June 1954, the drug could be a “short cut” for pulling society “away from mysticism and escape.”

From Slate

Former Attorney General Dominic Grieve told the BBC such a move was "a short cut", which "may leave some people dissatisfied that they haven't really been fully exonerated".

From BBC

Mike McKie, of Bayleaf, a firm of "specialists in royal honours", says his service provides "administration and not a short cut" for awards, aimed at busy people with too little time for the honours process.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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