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downtime

noun

down·​time ˈdau̇n-ˌtīm How to pronounce downtime (audio)
1
: time during which production is stopped especially during setup for an operation or when making repairs
2
: inactive time (such as time between periods of work)
napping during our downtime
an injured athlete facing months of downtime

Examples of downtime in a Sentence

After a busy day at work, I look forward to some downtime at home. The kids napped during their downtime. We need to minimize network downtime.
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.
The recall comes during a peak holiday travel weekend, which could disrupt schedules if planes need extra downtime. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025 Visiting Vancouver played its conference semifinal on Saturday night, giving the club nearly 48 extra hours of downtime. Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025 Erivo had to hold on to those emotions for six months before filming resumed, as Chu, Platt and editor Myron Kerstein used the downtime to identify any missing elements. Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 24 Nov. 2025 Designed specifically for the body (the consistency isn’t smooth and fluid enough for the face), Alloclae essentially provides a fat transfer—natural, long-lasting volume—without the hassle, anesthesia, expense, and downtime associated with liposuction. Jolene Edgar, Allure, 19 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for downtime

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of downtime was in 1928

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Cite this Entry

“Downtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downtime. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

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