brownout

noun

brown·​out ˈbrau̇-ˌnau̇t 

: a period of reduced voltage of electricity caused especially by high demand and resulting in reduced illumination

Examples of brownout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Data centers would also be required to either have renewable energy generation on-site, enough to power 25% of the facility at peak demand, or battery storage with the capacity to power up to 50% of the facility for 15 minutes, which is to stabilize the energy grid and help during brownouts. —R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026

There were no blackouts, no brownouts. —Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026

The issue of grid reliability and security becomes more pressing—utilities are worried about outages and brownouts, which used to be a summer cooling-season problem but could now occur in winter too. —Michaila Byrne, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025

This can reduce the strain on the electric grid and help prevent the need for involuntary power curtailment or power brownouts, Holran notes. —Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

brown + blackout

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for brownout

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

brownout

noun

brown·​out ˈbrau̇-ˌnau̇t 

: a reduction in the use or availability of electric power

also : a period of dimmed lighting resulting from such reduction