clearing

noun

clear·​ing ˈklir-iŋ How to pronounce clearing (audio)
Synonyms of clearingnext
1
: the act or process of making or becoming clear
2
: a tract of land cleared of wood and brush
3
: the settlement of accounts or exchange of financial instruments especially between banks

Synonyms of clearing

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Examples of clearing in a Sentence

the clearing of the table the clearing of wood and brush from part of the forest We found a clearing in the forest.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
That fire was triggered by land-clearing activities and spread rapidly to surrounding areas, fueled by dry conditions. — ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026 Augustus raised $180 million to build a clearing bank for stablecoins. — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Tariffs aside, Corning was also the portfolio's big winner for the week, rallying roughly 18% as the AI infrastructure theme continued its rebound from last week's clearing event . — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026 Stormwater concerns Inadequate funding over the years has resulted in limited coverage areas and slow response for problems that arise in the city, like flooding problems, sinkhole repairs, clearing of pipes and inlets, and permit compliance. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clearing

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clearing was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing clearing

Rhymes for clearing

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Browse Nearby Words

clear in
clearing
clearing agreement
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Cite this Entry

“Clearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clearing. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

clearing

noun
clear·​ing ˈkli(ə)r-iŋ How to pronounce clearing (audio)
1
: the act or process of making or becoming clear
2
: an area of land cleared of wood and brush

More from Merriam-Webster on clearing

Nglish: Translation of clearing for Spanish Speakers

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