First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1cull
verb \ˈkəl\
: to select or choose (someone or something) from a group
: to control the size of (a group of animals) by killing some animals
Full Definition of CULL
transitive verb
1
: to select from a group : choose <culled the best passages from the poet's work>
2
: to reduce or control the size of (as a herd) by removal (as by hunting) of especially weaker animals; also : to hunt or kill (animals) as a means of population control
— cull·er noun
See cull defined for English-language learners
See cull defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CULL
Middle English, from Anglo-French culier, coillir, from Latin colligere to bind together — more at collect
2cull
noun
Definition of CULL
: something rejected especially as being inferior or worthless <how to separate good-looking pecans from culls — Washington Post>
First Known Use of CULL
1809
CULL Defined for Kids
1cull
verb \ˈkəl\
culledcull·ing
Definition of CULL for Kids
1
: to select from a group <The best poems were culled from her collection.>
2
: to identify and remove less desirable members from <cull sheep from a flock>
2cull
noun
Definition of CULL for Kids
: something rejected from a group because it is not as good as the rest
Learn More About CULL
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up cull? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).