cord cutter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, common in journalism, tech, and business contexts.
Quick answer
What does “cord cutter” mean?
A person who cancels a traditional cable or satellite television subscription in favour of streaming services or over-the-air broadcasts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who cancels a traditional cable or satellite television subscription in favour of streaming services or over-the-air broadcasts.
More broadly, someone who rejects traditional, expensive, or bundled service providers in favour of modern, flexible, often internet-based alternatives. This can extend to telecom services, software subscriptions, or any industry where legacy providers are disrupted.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Concept is identical, but the specific providers referenced differ (e.g., Sky vs. Comcast). The term is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with a rebellious or frugal mindset in the UK; slightly more mainstream and normative in US tech/business discourse.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties due to the ubiquity of the trend.
Grammar
How to Use “cord cutter” in a Sentence
[Person/User] + cord cutter + [verb e.g., relies on, uses][Demographic] + of cord cutterscord cutter + [noun e.g., trend, revolution]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cord cutter” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- As a cord cutter, I rely on iPlayer and Now TV for my entertainment.
- The number of cord cutters has forced broadcasters to rethink their strategy.
American English
- The typical cord cutter spends less but has to manage multiple app subscriptions.
- This new device is marketed directly at the cord cutter demographic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a disruptive consumer trend impacting media and telecoms revenue models. Example: 'The company's earnings were hit hard by the accelerating cord cutter phenomenon.'
Academic
Used in media studies, economics, and sociology to analyse technology adoption and market disruption.
Everyday
Used to describe one's own or others' viewing habits. Example: 'We became cord cutters last year and just use Netflix and an antenna now.'
Technical
Less common in pure tech; more frequent in tech journalism and product marketing for streaming devices.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cord cutter”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cord cutter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cord cutter”
- Using 'cord cutter' to refer to someone who cancels any subscription (e.g., a gym). While the metaphor extends, the primary meaning is tied to TV. Confusing 'cord cutter' (person) with 'cord-cutting' (action/trend).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. Its core meaning relates to television. However, the metaphor is sometimes extended to leaving any expensive, bundled, or legacy service (e.g., 'cord cutting' from a landline telephone).
A 'cord cutter' actively cancelled an existing pay-TV subscription. A 'cord never' is a younger person who has never subscribed to traditional pay-TV in the first place.
Not necessarily. While the goal is often cost-saving, subscribing to multiple premium streaming services can add up. The appeal also includes flexibility, no contracts, and personalised content.
Typically, a combination of: Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD e.g., Netflix, Disney+), Free Ad-supported Streaming TV (FAST e.g., Pluto TV), digital antenna for local broadcasts, and sometimes live TV streaming services (e.g., YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV).
A person who cancels a traditional cable or satellite television subscription in favour of streaming services or over-the-air broadcasts.
Cord cutter is usually informal, common in journalism, tech, and business contexts. in register.
Cord cutter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːd ˌkʌt.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːrd ˌkʌt̬.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to cut the cord (from cable/satellite TV)”
- “cord-cutting revolution”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine literally using scissors to cut the coaxial cable coming from your wall, setting yourself free.
Conceptual Metaphor
FREEING ONESELF FROM BONDAGE/RELEASE FROM TETHERS (The 'cord' is the tether/bond to a restrictive and expensive provider).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate definition of a 'cord cutter'?