1
: something (such as a valve) that shuts off
2
shut off; shutting off; shuts off
1
: to close off : separate
—usually used with from
shut off from the rest of the world
2
a
: to cut off (a flow or passage) : stop
shuts off the oxygen supply
b
: to stop the operation of (something, such as a machine)
shut the motor off
: to cease operating : stop
shuts off automatically
Examples of shutoff in a Sentence
Noun
the utility company threatened them with the shutoff of electricity if the bills weren't paid
Verb
threatened to shut off peace talks if the other side kept making unreasonable demands
shut off the computer to save electricity
Recent Examples on the Web
Brendel Clark, Freep.com, 17 Jan. 2026
For more detailed information on billing, late fees, shutoff policies and the grace period, customers are asked to visit the city's website or contact 855-967-0310.
—Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 16 Jan. 2026
Paiching Wei, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
Johnson faced a series of unfortunate events during his time searching for a solution — including shutting off his gas service just before Christmas so the lines under his home would not be damaged.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shutoff
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Noun
Know the location of your main water shutoff valve.
—Brendel Clark, Freep.com, 17 Jan. 2026
For more detailed information on billing, late fees, shutoff policies and the grace period, customers are asked to visit the city's website or contact 855-967-0310.
—Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
Then the rain and snow largely shut off for three years.
—Paiching Wei, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
Johnson faced a series of unfortunate events during his time searching for a solution — including shutting off his gas service just before Christmas so the lines under his home would not be damaged.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shutoff
Cite this Entry
“Shutoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shutoff. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shutoff
1 of 2 noun
shut·off
ˈshət-ˌȯf 
1
: something that shuts off
2
: an instance of shutting off : interruption, stoppage
shut off
2 of 2 verbˌshət-ˈȯf
1
: to stop the flow of
shut off the water
2
a
: to stop the operation of
shut the motor off
b
: to cease operating
the light shuts off automatically
3
: to make or keep separate
shut off from the rest of the world
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