downtime

noun

down·​time ˈdau̇n-ˌtīm 

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

Synonyms of downtime

• winter
• break

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

Veterinary care, training, enrichment and downtime happen largely outside public view, while social media offers a glimpse of the dog behind the title. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

This mobile title will give you something to do in the downtime at the celebration, but more than that, there’s also a Pokemon Go Scavenger Hunt that will net you an exclusive red 2026 Worlds T-shirt for your avatar. — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026

As Bon Appétit editors traveled the country for our Best New Restaurants 2026, many of us had downtime to wander and research meals beyond dinner. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

But the combat happens in short spurts, allowing a fair amount of downtime for recuperation, conversation and enjoyment of the sport. — Rebecca Leib, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for downtime

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime
• noontime