shutdown

1 of 2

noun

shut·​down ˈshət-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce shutdown (audio)
: the cessation or suspension of an operation or activity

shut down

2 of 2

verb

shut down; shutting down; shuts down

intransitive verb

: to settle so as to obscure vision : close in
the night shut down early

transitive verb

: to make ineffective in competition
shut down the opposition's offensive line

Examples of shutdown in a Sentence

Noun the shutdown of the factory the factory resumed operation after a brief shutdown for repairs
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
But another major Red Line shutdown this weekend means T riders frying on the sidewalks yet again. Mike Deehan, Axios, 12 July 2024 Psychology experts, government officials, and lawmakers have attributed the trends, particularly among children and teens, to a litany of factors: Covid-19 shutdowns, economic challenges, and substance use among family members, and all the stressors those factors put on young children. Sarah Owermohle, STAT, 11 July 2024
Verb
Beyond that, a 71-year-old woman died near Crystal Beach after her oxygen machine ran out of battery power and her generator shut down. Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN, 11 July 2024 Most of those services have been shut down since the roof collapse, though a temporary intake center provides limited help to a few walk-in clients each day. Michael Cuglietta, Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for shutdown 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shutdown.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1888, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1779, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of shutdown was in 1779

Dictionary Entries Near shutdown

Cite this Entry

“Shutdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutdown. Accessed 20 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

shutdown

noun
shut·​down ˈshət-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce shutdown (audio)
: an ending of an activity

More from Merriam-Webster on shutdown

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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