Standard Lemma guide

clean-cut

adj · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

adj

Meaning 1

Having a neat, smart appearance

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • a clean-cut young officer in a spotless uniform

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adjective satellite

Meaning 2

clear and distinct to the senses; easily perceptible

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • as clear as a whistle
  • clear footprints in the snow
  • the letter brought back a clear image of his grandfather
  • a spire clean-cut against the sky
  • a clear-cut pattern

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: clear, clear-cut

Antonyms: none provided

3

adjective satellite

Meaning 3

neat and smart in appearance

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • a clean-cut and well-bred young man
  • the trig corporal in his jaunty cap
  • a trim beard

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: trig, trim

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Apparently from the idea of being smoothly shaped and thus the opposite of “rough” or “coarse”.

Across languages

Translations

9 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Bulgarian: ясен (jasen) — having a neat, smart appearance
  • Bulgarian: определен (opredelen) — having a neat, smart appearance
  • Finnish: siisti — having a neat, smart appearance
  • Finnish: siistinnäköinen — having a neat, smart appearance
  • German: adrett — having a neat, smart appearance
  • Irish: slachtmhar — having a neat, smart appearance
  • Irish: dea-chóirithe — having a neat, smart appearance
  • Irish: pointeáilte — having a neat, smart appearance
  • Spanish: nítido — having a neat, smart appearance