Main Entry:

black·out

Pronunciation:

\ˈblak-ˌau̇t\

Function:

noun

Date:

1913

1 a: a turning off of the stage lighting to separate scenes in a play or end a play or skit ; also : a skit that ends with a blackout b: a period of darkness enforced as a precaution against air raids c: a period of darkness (as in a city) caused by a failure of electrical power2: a transient dulling or loss of vision, consciousness, or memory <an alcoholic blackout>3 a: a wiping out : obliteration b: a blotting out by censorship : suppression <a news blackout>4: a usually temporary loss of a radio signal5: the prohibition or restriction of the telecasting of a sports event6: a time during which a special commercial offer (as of tickets) is not valid —usually used attributively <blackout dates>